University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Men in 10th Place at Bridgestone Championship
10/28/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
University of Minnesota golfer Yu Katayama had a busy summer leading up to this his senior campaign. He captured the 2008 Minnesota State Open, qualified for the United States Amateur and shot a 1-under par 71 at the TPC Twin Cities in a local qualifier for the United States Open. He didn't qualify for the open but a productive summer nonetheless. After a slow start to his senior season,
Katayama looks to be back on track, as he finds himself in a tie for seventh place after a pair of even par rounds of 72 to open up the 2008 Bridgestone Championship.
Katayama, who came into the tournament with a stroke average of 75.54, is one of only three Gophers to appear in all five fall events. Junior Ben Pisani is another Gopher who has appeared in all five events, as he entered the tournament tied for the team lead with a stroke average of 73. He has played solid all season and continued that trend with rounds of 74 and 73 on the day and is in a tie for 22nd place.
Freshman Derek Chang struggled in the morning and carded a 77 but fired a 74 in the afternoon to sit in a tie for 45th place heading into the final 18 holes. Senior Victor Almstrom, who is tied for the team lead with a stroke average of 73, and junior Thomas Campbell are in a tie for 62nd with a score of 155.
In-state rivals Michigan and Michigan State look to be in a battle for the team and individual titles. The Wolverines hold a four shot lead over the Spartans after posting a combined team score of 1-undr par 575. Michigan's Bill Rankin and Michigan State's Payne Gniewek are tied for medalist honors at 5-under 139. The Wolverines also have two other players that are currently sitting in the top 10.
The third and final round of the Bridgestone Championship and the Gopher's fall season can be followed live at www.golfstat.com.
