Dutkowski Climbs Leaderboard at National Championship
SILVIS, Ill. – Sophomore Alec Dutkowski charged up the leaderboard during the third round of the NAIA National Championship on Thursday, moving into fifth place with a round of 1-under par 70.
Dutkowski was the only Trojan to survive the cut which was scheduled to take place after 54 holes of action but due to weather delays was moved up to a 36 hole cut. The Trojans tallied a second round score of 316 to finish with a two-round total of 626 which was four shots shy of a tie for 17th place and the cut line.
Taylor played the majority of its second round on Wednesday in punishing winds that made the par-71 layout of TPC Deere Run extremely challenging. However, Taylor was unable to complete the second round on Wednesday and had to return to the course Thursday morning for the final holes of round two.
Junior Mitch Lamping carded the best score in round two for the 10th-ranked Trojans with a 5-over par 76. Dutkowski added a 77 followed by an 80 from Nick Waskom, 83 from senior Ian Rinken, and 84 from junior Trey Turner.
"This was a really tough way for our team to see the season end," Taylor head coach Cameron Andry said. "The conditions were extremely challenging and we really battled but we came up a few shots short. These guys have had an incredible season with more wins than any other team in the NAIA this season, a Crossroads League title, and a bunch of school records and I couldn't be more proud of them."
The bright spot of the day was Dutkowski, who made the cut as an individual by placing in the top 40 in the individual standings with a two-round total of 150 (73-77). Dutkowski vaulted up the leaderboard with a third round 70 to finish the day in fifth place, just seven shots off the lead.
Dutkowski will represent Taylor in the final round on Friday with a tee time of 7:00 am (CST). Fans can follow live scoring at GolfStat.com.