Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2016-17 | Hawk Talk Monthly — April 2017 | Team Leaderboard | Player Leaderboard
BALTIMORE, Md. — The University of Iowa men’s golf team tied for fourth at the 2017 Big Ten Championships, posting a 54-hole total of 858 (+18; 294, 288, 276). The Hawkeyes fired their lowest score of the tournament Sunday (276; -4) to jump three spots on the team leaderboard. The championship was played at Baltimore Country Club.
“We needed a strong performance today, and the guys responded with the best team score of the day,” said UI head coach Tyler Stith.
No. 9 Illinois claimed medalist honors with a three-round total of 829 (-11). Dylan Meyer of Illinois claimed individual medalist honors, posting a 54-hole total of 205 (-5; 63, 73, 69).
Freshman Alex Schaake led the Hawkeyes in the final round, firing a bogey-free 66 (-4) to bring his 54-hole total to 218 (+8; 78, 74, 66). He birdied holes 4, 5, 6, and 12 en route to his career and season-best round. Schaake finished in a tie for 29th in his first Big Ten Championship.
“I hit the ball really well today,” said Alex Schaake. “I hit 17 greens, and about 90% of the fairways. Even though it was a good round, I still feel like I could have done a little bit better for the team.”
“Alex’s round was impressive,” Stith said. “Carding a bogey-free 66 in the final round of the Big Ten Championship is pretty special.”
Freshman Jack Simpson finished in a tie for 16th at his first Big Ten Championships. Utilizing two birdies and 15 holes at par or better, he carded a final round 72 (+2) to end the tournament with a 54-hole total of 214 (+4; 74, 68, 72).
“Jack really stepped up this week,” said Stith. “We were struggling yesterday and his 68 in the second round held us together. A top-20 finish in his first Big Ten Championship will give him a lot of confidence.”
Sophomore Matthew Walker and senior Carson Schaake each posted a one-under-par 69 in round three. Walker finished with a three-day total of 215 (+5; 73, 73, 69), putting him in a tie for 19th place. Schaake carded a 54-hole total of 219 (+9; 77, 73, 69), finishing tied for 33rd.
Senior Raymond Knoll finished his final Big Ten Championship with a 54-hole total of 218 (+8; 70, 74, 74). Knoll tied for 29th overall and registered two birdies and 12 holes at par or better in the third round.
The Hawkeyes now await their NCAA Tournament fate. The NCAA Men’s Golf Championship selection show will air on the Golf Channel on Thursday, May 4 at 11 a.m. (CT).
