Huskers Look to Continue Momentum in Missouri

The Husker men's golf team begins the second half of its spring schedule next Monday and Tuesday, when Nebraska takes part in the 10-team Branson Creek Invitational in Hollister, Mo. The event, hosted by Southwest Missouri, will be played at the par-71, 7,036-yard Branson Creek Golf Club.

Action gets underway with 36 holes on Monday, beginning with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start, with the final round set for Tuesday morning, also with an 8:30 a.m. start.

The Huskers will enter the Branson Creek Invitational after a two-week break following a successful Spring Break trip. Nebraska finished in a tie for fourth place at the Pioneer Classic in Phoenix, before a tie for second at the Stevinson Ranch Invitational in California.

Nebraska has been led in recent weeks by sophomore Brady Schnell. The Millard West product has finished in the top six individually in three of four spring tournaments. In six rounds during the Pioneer Classic and the Stevinson Ranch Invite, Schnell averaged 71.0 strokes per round, including a school-record tying 65 in the second round of the Pioneer Classic. Schnell has lowered his overall season stroke average to 73.8 strokes per round and will play the No. 1 spot at Branson.

The remainder of the Husker lineup will be filled out by junior Judd Cornell in the No. 2 position, sophomore Drew Reynolds in the No. 3 spot and with freshman Chris Bruening and sophomore Ryan Lenahan, in the No. 4 and No. 5 positions, respectively. Freshman Tyler Bishop will compete in the tournament as an individual.

The Branson Creek Invitational is an important tournament for Nebraska's hopes to continue improving its district ranking. The Huskers must have strong performances in their three tournaments in the month of April in order to advance to NCAA Regional competition in May.

Among the Branson Creek Invitational field, Nebraska is the highest ranked team according to the latest GolfWeek rankings. The top competition in the field figures to come from host Southwest Missouri, along with Illinois State and Oral Roberts.

Huskers Tie for Second in California
Nebraska capped an impressive Spring Break trip with a second-place finish at the CU-Stevinson Ranch Invitational in California on March 22-23. The Huskers completed three rounds of play with an 892 team total, including a 288 in the opening round. Nebraska closed the tournament with a 308 on a blustery day at the Stevinson Ranch Golf Club.

Brady Schnell continued his hot play with a sixth-place finish. Schnell completed three rounds with a 218 total, 10 shots behind individual champion Kevin Ward. Schnell opened the tournament with rounds of 70 and 71, extending his streak of sub-par rounds to four. Judd Cornell finished in a tie for 11th with a 220 total, while Drew Reynolds tied for 23rd at 227.

Next Up
Nebraska continues its spring schedule the week of April 11, taking part in the Indian Golf Classic on April 11-12 in Jonesboro, Ark.

 

 This Week's Tournament

Event

Branson Creek Invitational

Dates

Monday-Tuesday, April 4-5

Course, Location

Branson Creek Golf Club, Hollister, Mo.

Par, Yardage

Par 71, 7,036 yards

Format

54 holes, 36 holes Monday, 18 Tuesday

Start Time

8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start both days

Tournament Host

Southwest Missouri

Field

Nebraska, Southwest Missouri, Bradley, Creighton, Illinois State, Northern Iowa, Oral Roberts, Saint Louis, South Dakota State, Western Illinois