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Rapid Recap: Men’s golf struggles at Missouri State Intercollegiate

Josh Kirkham tracks a shot on the golf course. Photo courtesy Bradley Athletics.

Returning to the Missouri State Intercollegiate, formerly known as the Twin Oaks Intercollegiate, Bradley men’s golf struggled to loosen the grip of 12th place at the par-71 course.

Competing with five other Missouri Valley Conference schools, the Braves only placed in front of one. Senior Josh Kirkham continued to hold his position as the leader of the group with his six-over-par performance.

WHO

Kirkham totaled a score of 219 including a two-under-par 69 in the second round. It positioned the senior 24th overall among a crowded field of golfers at the 15-team event.

Graduate Luke Armburst notched the second-lowest score for the Braves. His performance was highlighted by a three-under-par finish in the second round as he finished just one stroke behind Kirkham with a total of 220.

Trailing behind was freshman Connor Hamm who improved as the course progressed, but dealt with a eight-over-par 79 score in the opening round and finished with a total of 228.

The last two Braves in the pecking order were seniors Roy Radke and John Stillman who carded a 246 and 249, respectively.

WHAT

The team made its way to Ozark, Missouri for the event hoping to return from the long layoff. The Braves last hit the course on Feb. 28 so shaking the rust off was the hope for the squad.

That wait time was increased when a frost delay kept the Braves off the course even longer. Despite the issue, Bradley eventually hit the course but play was suspended again when they had to postpone the end of the second round.

WHEN

After beginning the tournament in 12th with a score of 303, both Kirkham and Armburst turned in under-par finishes but were tied up by a plus-14 score from Radke.

Unfortunately, that was the theme of the trip as whenever the Braves began to see the light, the group was knocked back down. After each round, the Braves were slotted 12th and couldn’t move up but refused to slip lower.

WHERE

Bradley was able to sneak a good peak at its MVC competition while at the event. Out of the six Valley teams present, Missouri State proved to be the best at their home course, scoring a 293.

New member Belmont finished slightly behind with a team score of 297 while Northern Iowa, Drake, Bradley and Murray State were separated by just eight strokes. The Panthers finished at an even 300 while the rival Bulldogs finished at 301. Bradley carded a 303 while Murray State carried the caboose with a 308 finish.

The Braves will hope for a better finish as they take a trip south for the Craft Farms Invitational hosted by South Alabama. That competition begins Sunday and will wrap up its action Tuesday.

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