Huskies Surge: NIU Men’s Golf Ties for First at MAC Championship Opener
GROVE CITY, Ohio – The Northern Illinois University (NIU) men’s golf team delivered a stellar performance in the first round of the 2025 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Men’s Golf Championship. Led by sophomore Craig Long’s extraordinary 68, the Huskies tied for the top spot at Pinnacle Golf club.
NIU and Eastern Michigan both carded a team score of 3-under par 285 on Sunday. Kent State trails closely in third place with an even-par 288, followed by Toledo at +1.
Long’s Low Round Propels Huskies
Craig Long (Alpharetta, Ga./Milton) showcased remarkable skill, firing a 4-under par 68. His performance was instrumental in the team’s success. Long’s round featured an eagle on the par-five 11th and birdies on the 8th, 15th, and 18th holes. This marks Long’s lowest round of the season, placing him just one stroke behind Eastern Michigan’s James Baxter, who leads the individual standings with a 67.
Did You Know?
An eagle in golf means scoring two strokes under par on a hole. It’s a relatively rare and impressive feat, often requiring a combination of power and precision.
Coach Carlson Praises Team Effort
Head coach John Carlson emphasized the team’s collective effort and resilience in navigating the challenging course conditions.
This is a strong start on the biggest stage. It was a total team effort. Pinnacle plays 7,400 yards with thick rough so three-under par as a team today shows our toughness and ability to play the par-fours well. Craig Long capitalized on a great ball striking day to card a 68.
John Carlson, NIU Men’s Golf Head Coach
Top-10 Performances from Sluzas and Petersen
Ben Sluzas (Lockport, Ill./Lockport) and Beau Petersen (Gretna, neb./Gretna) also contributed significantly, both finishing with even-par rounds of 72. Their consistent play secured them spots in the top 10 individually.
- Beau Petersen: Recovered from early bogeys with birdies on the 8th and 11th holes.
- Ben Sluzas: Carded three birdies, including one on the 18th, to finish at even par.
Krammer and Raupp Round Out NIU’s Performance
Felix Krammer (Waakirchen, Germany/Arkansas State) completed the scoring group for NIU with a 1-over par 73, placing him in a tie for 13th. Patrick Raupp (Arlington Heights, Ill./Prospect) posted a 6-over par 78,tying for 37th.
Looking Ahead
The second round of the MAC Championship is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. CT on Monday, April 28. The Huskies aim to maintain their momentum and secure a strong finish in the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Pro tip
Understanding course management is crucial for success in golf. Analyzing the layout, identifying potential hazards, and planning each shot strategically can significantly improve your score.
