Illinois State University’s redshirt junior golfer, TJ Barger, has set a new record in the program with his performance last Saturday, leading to his recognition as the Missouri Valley Conference Golfer of the Week. This announcement came from the conference office on Thursday.
Barger achieved a remarkable bogey-free round, scoring eight birdies and recording 10 pars, ending at eight-under 62 on a par-70 course. This score surpasses the previous record of 63 set in 2007 by Illinois State golfers Tommy Bliefnick and Joe Emerich. Barger also broke the school record for a 36-hole tournament with a score of 132, surpassing Felix van Dijk’s record of 135 set in February last season.
Throughout this season, Barger has maintained an average of 73.4 strokes per round, placing him second on his team, only trailing behind teammate Alex McCulla by six strokes over 29 rounds. Barger’s stroke average ranks as the sixth-best in a season for a junior, and he has achieved nine rounds at or under par, which is the 11th-most for a junior in a season. He has secured three top-10 finishes this season, tying for the most within his team, and stands out as the only player on the team to earn medalist honors this season.
Looking ahead, the team will participate in the two-day Hawkeye Invitational on April 13 and 14, in preparation for the MVC Championship scheduled a week later.
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