Boys golf: Kaneland, Marshall repeat their regional titles
It wasn't the 3-under par that Kaneland senior Will Marshall shot to win the Class 2A Sycamore regional Tuesday that shows his considerable ability as much as his reaction to it.
The Nebraska-bound Marshall repeated as regional champion, just as Kaneland did with its 296 total at Sycamore Golf Club, yet that doesn't mean Marshall was happy with his score.
"I would have liked to have gone lower," Marshall said.
Marshall was 5-under at one point before bogeys at 15 and 17. He lipped out for par at 15 and got stuck behind a tree on 17.
Not many players would consider 68 an average round but not many players can shoot 63 either, which Marshall just did last week to win the Northern Illinois Big XII championship.
"It's unbelievable," Kaneland coach Mark Meyer said. "He felt he left a few strokes out there but 68 just tells you how good of a player he is when that's the norm."
Sycamore was second at 318 and Aurora Central third with a 332 to join Kaneland in advancing to next Monday's sectional which will be hosted by Kaneland and held on its home course at Hughes Creek.
Kaneland junior Bryce Stair fired a 73, sophomore Ryan Milton shot 74 and junior Michael Partoll carded an 81 to complete the top four. That group also just set a school record last week with its 293 to win conference.
"We're doing really good - 68, 73, 74, 80 - if we can do that at sectional we'll have a shot to get through," Marshall said. "It's a big advantage to play Hughes Creek. We really like the course."
"I was really impressed with Ryan and Bryce," Meyer said. "They continue to play consistent low 70s. Really happy with them and Michael is also playing his best golf of the year. He's been getting better and better all year. We are really excited to shoot a good team score."
Kaneland, who also won the Sterling invite this year, is looking to qualify for state for the first time since 2012 and hoping to capitalize by playing at Hughes Creek.
"Our boys are really excited about that," Meyer said. "A course they are familiar with and play all the time. We feel we have a little bit of a home course advantage and hopefully we play that way."
Aurora Central Catholic junior Nathan Turco finished second individually with an even-par 71.
After parring every hole for a 36 on the front, Turco hit a couple wayward drives on the back to go two-over. He brought his score back to even with a birdie on the par-5 14th and by rolling in a 20-foot birdie putt from the fringe on 18.
"I was able to get the putter working and the ball striking was better," Turco said. "That (birdie on 18) felt nice especially with all my team watching. I played it right edge and hit it very firm but if that didn't hit the flag stick I think I'd have six or seven feet coming back. I'm glad it went in. My all-around goal for the entire year is to go downstate so this is the first step."
Sophomores John Wojcik (84), Shane Miller (87) and Austin Miller (90) completed the Chargers' top four.
St. Edward shot 344 to place fifth and Burlington Central was at 350 for sixth out of nine schools competing.
Both schools had golfers finish in the top 10 individuals not on the top three teams which mean they also advance to next week's sectional. St. Edward junior Michael Mindykowski (78), sophomore Tom McQueeny (83) and freshman Charlie McQueeny (85) all advanced as did Burlington Central sophomore Tyler DiDomenico (85) and freshman Tyson Malak (86).
IMSA junior Vismay Vyas fired a 73 and teammate T.J. Ptak shot an 84 to advance.