Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University men's golf team is set to participate in the Purdue Fall Invitational, starting Monday, October 13, at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Indiana. This venue was also the location of the team's last NCAA Regional appearance in 2024.

The Salukis will compete with a lineup consisting of Anthony De Schutter, Michael Mikus, Jaeseung Na, Blake Saffell, and Ben Keil. All five golfers played in the previous tournament where Southern Illinois finished fourth at the Mark Simpson Invitational in Erie, Colorado. This finish marks one of their strongest showings during this fall season.

De Schutter and Mikus have led the team with notable performances, finishing tied for 12th and 14th place respectively at their most recent event. Jaeseung Na, who transferred from Northern Colorado, broke SIU's 18-hole scoring record earlier this fall by shooting a bogey-free round of 64. Senior transfer Blake Saffell from Washburn University and redshirt freshman Ben Keil complete the lineup.

Southern Illinois will face a competitive field that includes host Purdue University as well as Missouri Valley Conference opponents Illinois State and Valparaiso.

In addition to the main lineup, Lucas Lasley and Oliver Ulrich will compete as individuals. Tournament results for individual competitors can be found here.

The weather forecast for Monday predicts partly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching 77 degrees and winds between five to ten miles per hour. Tuesday is expected to have similar conditions with a high of 78 degrees and light winds.

Tee times begin at 7:45 a.m., and fans are encouraged to follow live scoring updates throughout the event.

"FOLLOW THE SALUKIS For the latest updates on the Salukis, follow the team on X (@SIU_MGolf), Facebook (@Saluki Men's Golf) and Instagram (@siu_mgolf)."