Mike Yoder/Journal-World PhotoKansas Universitys mens golf team shot a 580 on Monday, good enough for third place out of 14 teams after day one of the Kansas Invitational at Alvamar.
As for individual achievements, it was all Pete Krsnich.
Krsnich, playing as an individual, fired a 6-under-par 66 in his second round Monday. Combined with his 2-over 74 earlier in the day, Krsnich heads into todays final round in third place, four strokes behind leader Ryan Baca of Baylor.
Unfortunately for Kansas, Krsnichs score does not count toward team stats, something coach Ross Randall said is probably no coincidence.
Mike Yoder/Journal-World PhotoAny time you play individuals in a tournament, its a different mindset, Randall said. Youre not playing for the team. Thats to be expected.
Still, a 6-under at Alvamar must come as a pleasant surprise to both Randall and Krsnich. After all, Krsnich was just two strokes off the course record, held by former Jayhawk and current PGA member Matt Gogel.
It wouldve been nice to go for the course record, Krsnich said, but it wasnt on my mind.
Krsnich, who started on hole 10, fired a 1-under through his first eight holes before collecting birdies on 18, one and two. He finished with birdies on two of his final three holes, propelling him up near the top of the leaderboard with 18 holes remaining today.
Hole five was critical, said Krsnich, a sophomore from Wichita. I hit a bad shot in the bunker, and I ended up making about a 40-footer for par. In every good round, it seems like theres always one hole like that where you could lose it or keep it.
KUs Chris Marshall shot a 2-under 142, placing him in a tie for fourth.
The Jayhawks enter the final round in third place, just one stroke behind Wichita State, but 16 strokes back of Big 12 rival Baylor.
We were steady this afternoon, but not good enough, Randall said. Theyre supposed to play better than that on their home course.
The Kansas Invitational concludes today, with an 8:30 a.m. start. The starting five for team scores will stay the same today, but after Krsnichs performance on Monday, Randall may have some shuffling to do before the next tournament.
Believe me, Randall said, he doesnt like being where he is. He wants to be back in the lineup. If you shoot a 66, you find a way to get in there.
