CAROLINA, Puerto Rico — Southern Illinois men’s golf opened its spring season with an impressive performance, finishing in the top three at the Palmas del Mar Collegiate Invitational, held Sunday through Tuesday at the par-72 Palmas del Mar Golf Club. It was the Salukis’ third top-three finish this season. They outplayed four Power 4 teams.
Jaesung Na was incredible throughout the invitational, posting a 7-under-par 209 and finishing tied for third overall. It was his second top-three finish this year.
“Jaeseung played an unbelievable event,” Head Coach Justin Fetcho. “He got off to a slow start each round and kept his head up and kept fighting, and it paid off big for him. Very proud to see a big step in the right direction in his mental game this week, and it showed in his scores as well. Also, very solid weeks from Ben and Blake this week, who both finished in the top 20 on the leaderboard.”
Here is a look at how all of the Salukis performed:
Jaeseung Na — 209 (–7), tied for third
Ben Keil — 212 (–4), tied for 12th
Blake Safell — 214 (–2), tied for 19th
Anthony De Schutter — 221 (+5), tied for 51st
Frank Bellino — 222 (+6), 55th
Lucas Lasley — 224 (+8), 62nd
Oliver Ulrich — 230 (+14), tied for 78th
Competing against a deep and talented field, the Salukis showed consistency across all three rounds, positioning themselves among the leaders early and maintaining momentum through the final day.
The Salukis climbed the leaderboard with a strong first round before closing the tournament with one of their strongest showings of the year. Multiple players posted rounds at or near par, highlighting the team’s depth and preparation heading into the spring schedule.
Fetcho praised the group’s composure and competitive mindset in their season debut.
“We had a very good start to the spring season given some of the challenges we have faced from guys being sick, guys being injured and the weather and elements leading up to us competing. We saw some great strides in mental attitudes, maturity and body language at this event,” Fetcho said.
The team had a strong fall season and that same work ethic has carried over to the fall.
“This team has been working really hard on a lot of different areas,” Fetcho said. “It was great to see some immediate results to go along with that work. Now, we have to keep grinding and working hard to keep getting better for the next one.”
UP NEXT
Salukis are back in action Monday, February 16 in Mobile, Alabama at the Hal Williams Collegiate.
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