Besard wins individual title at Grover Page Classic
JACKSON, Tenn. — Southern Illinois senior Matthis Besard claimed his second-straight individual title of the 2021-22 season Tuesday at the Grover Page Classic in Jackson, Tenn.
Besard led the entire field of 92 at the Jackson Country Club with commanding scores of 68, 66, and 67 to finish at 15-under par.
This performance would tie the school record for an individual score over 54 holes with a 201. It also marks Besard surpassing Jake Erickson for most individual tournament wins in program history with his fourth title.
“Matthis is doing a great job in his role as a senior,” said SIU head coach Danielle Kaufmann. “He is consistent and the last two tournaments have proven the kind of player he is. He has that desire to win and that’s exactly what he does.”
The Salukis made considerable improvements each round, scoring 295, 289, and 286 to finish fifth overall for a total of 870.
UT Martin, the tournament host, took the team title with a score of 852 (-12) with Tennessee Tech finishing runner-up at 857 (-7).
The Salukis led the field with 62 birdies in the tournament.
How the rest of the Saluki field performed
Freshman Braden Hoisington tied for 30th place with a total of 220 (+4).
Senior Tom Cleaton posted 77 on the final day of play to finish tied for 58th place at 226 (+10).
Senior Birgir Magnusson fired 73 in the third round to finish at 227 (+1), tied for 61st place.
Sophomore Justin Wingerter picked up an eagle on the last day to finish at 230 (+14), tied for 72nd place.
What’s next for the Salukis?
The Salukis return to Carbondale to prepare for the 2021 TVA Community Credit Union Invitational, hosted by the University of North Alabama, on October 18-19 in Florence, Ala.
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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.
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