Spartans Take Fourth at the Big Ten Championship

CARMEL, Indiana – The Michigan State men's golf team took fourth place at the 2021 Big Ten Championships at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana. The Spartans finished 40-over-par 904 (312-294-298) to secure their second straight top-four finish at the event. Playing in the final group for the fifth time in nine tournaments this season, the Spartans shot 10-over-par 298 on Sunday.

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No. 11 Illinois won the title at 19-over-par 883, followed by Iowa one shot back in second place. Northwestern took third at 33-over-par 897.

"I'm really proud of these guys; they gave us everything they had all year and fought their tails off," MSU head coach Casey Lubahn said. "They put themselves behind the eight-ball on Friday and responded in a big way on Saturday and then all the way to finish today.

"Playing in the final group is going to make us better and give us a chance to win next year. We're thankful for the athletic trainers, doctors and program supporters for helping us to get through the season."

A pair of Spartans placed in the top 20 as James Piot tied for sixth place at 5-over-par 221 (77-71-73) and Andrew Walker tied for 20^th at 11-over-par 227 (79-73-75).

Piot's 1-over-par 73 led MSU on Sunday. His sixth-place finish was the best of his career at the conference tournament.

"James has been great all year," Lubahn said. "He had a chance to win again today. He's been our anchor and I think he'll have a deep run in the NCAA Tournament."

Walker shot a 3-over-par 75 in the final round as his 20^th-place finish was also the best of his career at the Big Ten Championships.

"It's an emotional day with Andrew who has been a part of the program for five years," Lubahn said. "Along with Zach Rosendale, who was here as an alternate, they gave us everything they had in their time here."

Troy Taylor II shot his lowest round of the tournament on Sunday with a 3-over-par 75 and tied for 26^th place at 12-over-par 228 (76-77-75).

August Meekhof was the third Spartan to shoot a 3-over-par 75 on Sunday. He ended his first Big Ten Championships appearance at 14-over-par 230 (80-75-75) and tied for 29^th place.

Bradley Smithson tied for 37^th place at 16-over-par 232 (81-75-76).

Iowa's Mac McClear was the only player in the field to finish under par and won the individual title at 1-under-par 215.

The 2021 NCAA Championships selection show will take place on Wednesday, May 5 at 2 p.m. on Golf Channel.

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Players Mentioned

August Meekhof

James Piot

Zach Rosendale

Bradley Smithson

Troy Taylor II

Andrew Walker