Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Salukis finish 15th at Robert Kepler Invite
04/13/2026 | 12:02:00 | Men's Golf
The Salukis men's golf team finished 15th at the Robert Kepler Invitational in Ohio, one of its final two events before the MVC Championship. The team shot 13 over par.Â
Anthony Deschutter led the team with a 1-over-par performance, finishing tied for 38th overall. Lucas Lasley and Michael Mikus each shot 9 over par, tying for 72nd, while Blake Saffell carded a 4-over-par round to finish tied for 56th. Frank Bellino rounded out the lineup at 7 over par, placing 65th.
Director of Golf Justin Fetcho said the team fell short of expectations.
"Disappointing week for us this week," Fetcho said. "We came here looking to build some momentum off a good final 36 holes of our last event and we just couldn't quite keep it up. In our first 36 holes here, we were close to being able to put some good stuff together, but just a couple of unforced errors cost us. Our last round today was extremely disappointing."
The event was held over the weekend at Columbus Country Club, where unfamiliar conditions may have contributed to the team's performance.
"We had trouble on the greens this week," Fetcho said. "I think our ball striking was good enough to be able to compete, but we just didn't putt well at all. This will definitely be something we will continue to work on as we prepare for our next event."
Fetcho also emphasized the importance of mindset moving forward.
"We have to get into a different mindset on the course as well," he said. "When we are relaxed, we swing it so freely and confidently. When we start to apply pressure to ourselves or set our expectations to hit perfect shots all the time, we swing it very tight and tentative. Mindset, attitude and body language will continue to be a focal point for us as well."
The Salukis will wrap up their regular season at the Hawkeye Invitational on April 20 in Iowa City, Iowa.
"We have a full week to prepare and get ready for Iowa and we will be working extremely hard to continue to build and get better," Fetcho said. "We have a very talented group, but we have to make some changes to be able to get to where we need to be, and that will be our focus this week."
