Baylor
Fighting Illini Invitational
Baylor Men’s Golf Finishes Fighting Illini Invitational at Olympia Fields
9/19/2026 8:33:00 PM | Men's Golf
Bears close out challenging week against one of the strongest fields of fall season
OLYMPIA FIELDS, Ill. – Baylor men's golf wrapped up play at the Fighting Illini Invitational on Saturday, finishing 15th at Olympia Fields Country Club. The tournament, originally scheduled to be played over three days with a Sunday finish, was condensed to two days due to inclement weather in the Chicago area, with Friday becoming an impromptu 36-hole day.
The Bears finished the tournament at 11-over-par, closing with a final-round two-over par on the par-70, 7,215-yard South Course.
Senior Jonas Appel paced Baylor throughout the tournament, opening with a 1-under 69 before following with an even-par 70 in the second round. Appel capped the week with a final round 69 to finish at two under par. Sophomore Alex Heard and freshman Chase Yenser both found red numbers, posting second-round 69s. Tyler Sanford found his form in the final round, posting a 71, while senior Davis Ovard carded four birdies in an opening-round 72.
The Fighting Illini Invitational gave Baylor one of its deepest tests of the fall, with 12 teams in the field ranked inside Golf Channel's preseason top 30. Arizona State claimed the team title, finishing two shots ahead of host Illinois. On the individual leaderboard, Ben Gregg, Max Herendeen, Conner Williams and Max Emberson shared medalist honors in a four-way tie.
Baylor will return home to the Lone Star State for a two-week break before making a short trip north to the Trinity Forest Invitational, hosted by SMU at Trinity Forest Golf Club, beginning Oct. 4 in Dallas, Texas.
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