West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's men's golf team is set to participate in the Big O Classic, scheduled for October 2-3 at Indian Creek Golf Course in Elkhorn, Nebraska. The course is a par 72 and stretches over 7,271 yards. This three-round tournament will feature rounds one and two on the first day, followed by round three on the second day.

The Leathernecks are coming off their performance at the Zach Johnson Invitational hosted by Drake University, where they finished in 13th place with a score of 919 (+67). Leading the team was Baptiste Labeyrie, who secured a top-20 finish by shooting +3 over the three rounds. Labeyrie's performance included eight birdies during the first 36 holes, placing him T12 going into the final day. He managed an even-par 35 on the front nine before finishing three over after dropping shots on the back nine.

Other notable performances came from Luke Lofgren and Mateo Rascon. Lofgren ended tied for 61st with a score of +17, while Rascon placed 65th with +18. Both golfers showed strong finishes in their final rounds, collectively making seven birdies and ending just two over par.

The Big O Classic will see competition from several teams including Creighton (two teams), Omaha (two teams), Dodge City Community College, Hutchinson Community College, Indian Hills Community College, Lindenwood University, North Dakota, Northern Iowa, St. Thomas University, Weber State University, Western Illinois University itself, and Wichita State University.

Western Illinois' starting lineup for this event includes Baptiste Labeyrie as number one followed by Luke Lofgren, Mateo Rascon, Nathan Tillman, and David Ayala. Bayden Hubacher will compete as an individual.

Live statistics for the tournament can be accessed through Golf Stat.