Huskers in Hunt Entering Final Round

Nebraska seniors Tom Westenberger and Branden Meyer continued their strong play through 36 holes to sit within striking distance of the top of the leader board heading into Monday’s final round at the Rich Harvest Farms Invitational in Sugar Grove, Ill.

Westenberger (Wuppertal, Germany) closed Sunday tied for ninth after posting a Nebraska career-best 70 (-2) in the second round. His performance on Sunday followed an opening-round 71 (-1) to put him at 141 (-3) through 36 holes on the par-72, 7,200 yard layout at Rich Harvest Farms. He sits just three shots back of tournament co-leaders Jack Parker (Missouri) and Hunter Eichhorn (Marquette), who head to the final round tied at 138 (-6). 

Meyer (Gilbert, Ariz.) has put up Nebraska career-best numbers as well through the first 36 holes, carding back-to-back rounds of 71 (-1) to sit in a tie for 13th at 142 (-2).

Junior Will Marshall (Elburn, Ill.) also produced the best back-to-back rounds of his collegiate career, opening with an even-par 72 before adding a 73 on Sunday to move to the final round tied for 24th at 145 (+1).

Senior Tristan Nelko (Plymouth, Minn.) provided the Big Red with a career-best round of his own on Sunday with a one-under-par 71 to round out Nebraska’s second-round team score. The Huskers closed the day with a season-best 285 (-3), after opening the tournament with a 287 (-1). Nebraska moves to the final round at 572 (-4) just six strokes back of Missouri (566) in the race for the team title. NU’s Big Ten counterparts Wisconsin (569) and Purdue (570) sit just ahead of the Big Red, which is tied with the hosts from Northern Illinois. The Huskers head to the last 18 holes in front of Michigan (573), Minnesota (577) and Kansas State (578) among the 12 teams in the strong tournament field.

Sophomore Reed Malleck (York, Neb.) helped the Huskers get off to a strong start on Saturday with an opening-round 73 to provide a counting score for the NU lineup. Malleck is tied for 59th (149) in the 80-player field, just two strokes behind Nelko, who is tied for 45th (147).

Sophomore Jeremy Sisson (Skaneateles, N.Y.) has also played strong golf for the Huskers, posting rounds of 72 and 74 to sit in a tie for 35th (146) through two rounds, while competing as an individual outside the Nebraska lineup.

Monday’s final round is set for a 9:30 a.m. (CT) shotgun start with live scoring available from GolfStat.com.

Rich Harvest Farms Intercollegiate

Oct. 2-4 (After two rounds)

Sugar Grove, Ill. (Host: Northern Illinois)

Rich Harvest Farms Golf Course (Par 72, 7,200 Yards)

Team Results (After two rounds)

1. Missouri – 284-282=566 (-10)

2. Wisconsin – 286-283= 569 (-7)

3. Purdue – 282-288= 570 (-6)

T4. Nebraska – 287-285= 572 (-4)

T4. Northern Illinois – 279-293= 572 (-4)

6. Michigan – 290-283= 573 (-3)

7. James Madison – 286-290= 576 (E)

T8. Marquette – 282-295= 577 (+1)

T8. Minnesota – 292-285= 577 (+1)

T10. Kansas State – 290-288= 578 (+2)

T10. Miami (Ohio) – 291-287= 578 (+2)

12. Arkansas State – 292-294= 586 (+10)

Nebraska Individuals

T9. Tom Westenberger – 71-70-141 (-3)

T13. Branden Meyer – 71-71-142 (-2)

T24. Will Marshall – 72-73-145 (+1)

*T35. Jeremy Sisson – 72-74-146 (+2)

T45. Tristan Nelko – 76-71-147 (+3)

T59. Reed Malleck– 73-76-149 (+5)

*competing as an individual outside Nebraska’s lineup