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Cordova Today
By the People, for the People
Illinois State Men's Golf Finishes Fifth at Memphis Intercollegiate
Redbirds close out tournament with a final-round 295 at Bluff City event
Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:21am
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Illinois State's strong team performance at the Memphis Intercollegiate showcases the program's depth and competitive spirit.Cordova TodayThe Illinois State men's golf team finished fifth at the 2026 Memphis Intercollegiate: Spirited by Old Dominick, carding a final-round 295 to maintain their position on the leaderboard. Tournament host Memphis won the team title with an 866, while Wright State (878) and Eastern Kentucky (880) rounded out the top three. Illinois State's Pietro Pontiggia tied for 10th place individually with a three-round score of 220.
Why it matters
This tournament represents an important early-season test for the Illinois State men's golf team as they look to build momentum heading into the heart of their spring schedule. The Redbirds' fifth-place finish against a competitive field demonstrates their ability to compete at a high level and provides valuable experience for the squad.
The details
Illinois State's final-round 295 was led by senior TJ Barger, who carded a one-under 71 with two birdies and 15 pars. Barger's 41 pars over the 54-hole event were the most of any golfer in the field. Pietro Pontiggia was the Redbirds' top individual finisher, tying for 10th place with a three-round score of 220, including a three-over 75 in the final round. Max Faucquez tied for 28th individually with a total score of 224.
- The 2026 Memphis Intercollegiate: Spirited by Old Dominick was held from March 29-31, 2026.
The players
TJ Barger
A senior on the Illinois State men's golf team who led the Redbirds with a one-under 71 in the final round, recording the most pars (41) of any golfer in the tournament.
Pietro Pontiggia
The top individual finisher for Illinois State, tying for 10th place with a three-round score of 220. He had the ninth-best par-four scoring average (4.10) in the field.
Max Faucquez
An Illinois State golfer who tied for 28th individually with a total score of 224, including a final-round 74 that featured three birdies and 10 pars.
Gonzalo Cuellar
An Illinois State golfer who finished 41st in the tournament with a final-round 83.
Sam Ottwell
An Illinois State golfer who tied for 42nd place, carding his lowest round of the tournament with a three-over 75 in the final round.
What’s next
Illinois State will travel to Columbia, Missouri, next week to compete in the Tiger Invitational, hosted by the University of Missouri at The Club at Old Hawthorne on April 6 and 7.
The takeaway
The Illinois State men's golf team's fifth-place finish at the Memphis Intercollegiate demonstrates their ability to compete against a strong field and provides valuable experience as they look to build momentum heading into the heart of their spring schedule.