University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Post Runner-Up Finish at Big Tens
5/3/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Led by strong play from Derek Chang and Ben Pisani, the Minnesota men's golf team finished second at the Big Ten Championships at Penn State's Blue Course. The Gophers finished 13 shots behind champion Illinois after a final round 289 (+5). Chang and Pisani tied for third place individually.
The Gophers remain the most consistent program in the Big Ten during the tenure of director of golf Brad James and associate head coach Andrew Tank. In their eight seasons, Minnesota has finished first or second five times, including three titles (2002, 2003, 2007) and finished no worse than fourth. No other Big Ten program has approached that level of greatness in championship play during the period. Overall, Minnesota has finished in the top half of the Big Ten every year since 1996. James joined the Gopher coaching staff in 1997.
The Gophers continued very consistent play on Sunday as four of their players recorded scores of 73 or better. Chang led the way with his third even par round of 71. He continued his penchant for scoring with four birdies, bringing his total to 14 over the 72-hole event. The freshman started the final round red hot with birdies on holes 5, 6, 11 and 12 to move to 3-under. However, the tough finishing stretch at the Penn State Blue Course cost Chang three bogies over the final four holes. He finished with a 72-hole total of 286 (+2) to finish three shots back of medalist Eric Chun of Northwestern.
Pisani fired his third consecutive round of 72 to finish tied with Chang for third at 286 (+2). Pisani was the only player in the field to card rounds of 72 or better in all four rounds. Pisani had two birdies on 5 and 11. His third-place finish is a huge improvement over his first two conference championships where he placed 26th and 21st respectively. He also posted his third top 10 finish of the season and eighth top 20 showing.
Senior Victor Almstrom carded his second straight 2-over par 73 to finish in a tie for 22nd while senior Yu Katayama saved his best round for Sunday with a 2-over 73. He carded two birdies to move up to a tie for 43rd overall. Junior Thomas Campbell rounded out the Gopher lineup with a 6-over 77 to finish in a tie for 39th overall.
"We are really happy with our play this weekend," Tank commented. "We were really consistent and kept ourselves near the lead the entire tournament. Derek really led the charge today and the other guys all contributed at times. Derek was down two with four holes left and gave himself a chance to win. However, the last couple holes were playing really tough, particularly 18."
The Gophers finished with a 72-hole score of 1162 (+26), 13 shots back of Illinois. Indiana placed third (1167), followed by Ohio State and Penn State (1170).
Minnesota will await its NCAA Regional assignment. The Regionals will be contested May 14-17 at four locations.
Minnesota Scores
T3. Ben Pisani 70-72-72-72286 (+2)
T3. Derek Chang 71-73-71-71286 (+2)
T22. Victor Almstrom 74-76-73-73296 (+12)
T39. Thomas Campbell 72-73-79-77301 (+17)
T43. Yu Katayama 76-78-76-73303 (+19)
Players Mentioned
