Take 5: Strong team performance leads to second Pinehurst title

The No. 26 IU men’s golf team won the Pinehurst Intercollegiate for the second straight year with all five golfers finishing in the top 10 individually.\nLed by IU junior Seth Brandon, who was named Big Ten Golfer of the Week after taking the individual title at Pinehurst, the Hoosiers (286-292-287) coasted to a 24-shot victory. Brandon took first place with even par, followed by freshman Ren Han who shot a 1-over-par and fell into a three-way tie for second place. Other notables included junior Jorge Campillo, who tied for fifth; and junior Drew Allenspach and sophomore Alex Martin, who both finished in a nine-way tie for 10th place.\nAfter the first round at Pinhurst, the Hoosiers were the only team under par thanks to Brandon’s stellar performance. The junior shot a 3-under-par 69 to lead the individuals. Han was right behind him with a 2-under-par 70. \nBrandon stayed in first place after shooting par on the second day. By the end of the day, Campillo and Han both tied for second place with 72s. Martin, however, was tied for 33rd after the second day by shooting a 1-under-par 71. \nIn the third round, the Hoosiers shot a 287, only one stroke worse than their first-round performance. Brandon shot an even par 72 in the third round to secure his first place finish. Brandon finished with five straight pars and birdied holes 11 and 13 to finish strong – his second-career first-place finish. Han also shot an even par 72 in the final round.\nThe 19-team field featured two other ranked opponents, both from the Big Ten. No. 30 Penn State and No. 54 Wisconsin. The Nittany Lions finished third and the Badgers finished sixth.\nThe Hoosiers’ next tournament will be the Adidas Hoosier Invitational, held in Bloomington on March 29 - 30.