May 4, 2014
FRENCH LICK, Ind. -- The No. 43-ranked Purdue men's golf team finished fifth at the Big Ten Golf Championship, wrapping up play Sunday at the Pete Dye Course at the French Lick Resort. The finish matched the program's best since placing third in the 2007 Championship.
The Boilers entered the final round in a second-place tie, fell back all the way to sixth place at one point during the day, before settling in at fifth. Purdue finished the 72-hole layout at 53-over par 1,205 (298-296-308-302).
Unranked Minnesota held off a charge by No. 9-ranked Illinois to capture its first Big Ten title since 2007, snapping the Illini's five-year title streak. The Gophers finished at 34-over par 1,186 (295-300-301-290), four shots ahead of the Illini (297-298-308-287=1,190).
No. 35-ranked Iowa was third at 42-over par 1,194 (307-296-307-284) while 50th-ranked Northwestern was fourth at 52-over par 1,204 (301-301-305-297).
Enzo Perez was Purdue's highest finisher, placing tied for 12th at 12-over par 300 (72-76-76-76). Perez recorded his second straight top-20 finish in the Big Ten Championship after placing tied for 17th a year ago, coincidentally with the same score (+12; 300).
Freshman Philippe Schweizer wrapped up his first Big Ten Championship in impressive fashion, placing tied for 24th at 16-over par 304 (72-72-84-76). Schweizer was in second after 36 holes, but yesterday's back nine dropped him off the pace. However, the 24th-place finish was the third-highest finish of his career.
Senior Adam Schenk was looking for his fourth straight top-10 finish in the Big Ten Championship, but was forced to settle for a 31st-place showing at 18-over par 306 (79-75-77-75). He was joined in 31st by Stuart Macdonald, who continued his solid play of late, with a 306 (76-77-75-78).
Freshman Austin Eoff rounded out Purdue's contingent with a 19-over par 307 (78-73-81-75), good for a 39th-place tie.
Purdue will now await word on a likely NCAA Regional berth, which will be played in two weeks at a site to be determined.
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