University of Missouri
NCAA Regional
@MizzouMensGolf Finishes Strong 2016-17 Campaign at Latest Regional Appearance
5/17/2017 3:20:00 PM | Men's Golf
Tigers have competed in seven NCAA Regionals under the guidance of Leroux
COLLEGE GROVE, Tenn. - Mizzou Men's Golf made the program's 13th all-time NCAA Tournament appearance this week, but the opportunity to advance further in the postseason will wait until next season as the 2016-17 season came to a close for the Tigers at the College Grove Regional on Wednesday.
Two of Mizzou's top three individuals will return to the 2017-18 roster, as freshman Rory Franssen (Inverness, Scotland) and sophomore Matt Echelmeier (Columbia, Mo.) turned in tournaments of 220 (73-74-73) and 221 (78-70-73), respectively. Franssen was Mizzou's top finisher at the event, tying for 18th as an individual. Those efforts helped head coach Mark Leroux's squad finish in eighth place (296-291-291 -- 878). The Tigers separated themselves from the rest of the pack, finishing nine strokes clear the next team down the leaderboard.
Mizzou's senior leaders in the lineup, Euan Walker (Troon, Scotland) and Linus Lilliedahl (Sandviken, Sweden), both posted rounds to be proud of during their collegiate events. Walker's final round, a 2-under-par 70, was his 16th under-par round this season, and he finished tied for 25th (74-77-70 -- 221) along with Echelmeier. Lilliedahl rebounded from a tough Day One to be just one of two Tigers at-par or under on Day Two, firing an even-at-par 72. Lilliedahl finished tied for 39th as an individual (77-72-75 -- 224).
Rounding out Mizzou's lineup and joining Lilliedahl at tied for 39th was junior Hayden Buckley (Belden, Miss.), who like Franssen and Echelmeier, returns for the Tigers next season. Buckley turned in an even-at-par round to start his tournament (72-75-77 -- 224).
Leroux's Tigers have made seven NCAA Regional appearances on his watch, with the Tigers placing inside the Top 10 in each of their last five appearances.
Mizzou Men's Golf NCAA Regional Appearances:
1989 - 16th
1990 - 18th
1992 - 21st
1995 - 21st
2002 - 20th
2003 - 26th
2005 - 6th
2006 - 19th
2010 - 10th
2011 - 6th
2013 - 8th
2014 - 3rd
2017 - 8th
For all the latest on Mizzou Men's Golf, stay tuned to MUTigers.com or follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@MizzouMensGolf).
