McLean County Times

Illinois State golfer TJ Barger set a new school record with an 18-hole score of 62 at a tournament in DeKalb, Illinois. The Bloomington native surpassed the previous record of 63 held by Tommy Bliefnick and Joe Emerich since 2007. Barger's bogey-free round included eight birdies and eight pars on a par-70 course. His two-round score of 132 also broke the school's 36-hole record, previously set at 135 by Felix van Dijk last season.

The tournament ended with Illinois State securing a runner-up position, narrowly missing first place to host Northern Illinois, who finished with a score of 553 compared to ISU's 555. Central Michigan, Southwestern CC, Aurora, Highland CC, and Chicago State completed the seven-school field.

Barger was declared the individual medalist of the one-day event. His teammates Alex McCulla, Max Faucquez, and Will Troy also finished in the top ten, placing fifth and joint seventh respectively.

Barger started his day with an even-par 70, marking four birdies, 10 pars, and four bogeys. He improved in his final round, scoring birdies on several consecutive holes. McCulla had consistent rounds of 70, tying for the 12th lowest 36-hole tournament score in the program's history. Faucquez and Troy both ended with two-over 142, sharing seventh place.

Individuals in the competition included Pietro Pontiggia, who finished 13th with rounds of 77 and 72, and Francis Bautista, tying for 24th with a score of 154. Jack Paeglow and Aiden Cudney rounded out the team, with Paeglow ending tied for 28th and Cudney for 34th.

Illinois State's next competition will be the Hawkeye Invitational on April 13 and 14, preceding the MVC Championship. GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App provide further information for fans and supporters.