When | Mar. 24
Where | Nicholasville, KY
Tournament | Keene Trace Collegiate
Macomb, IL - The Western Illinois Men's Golf team continues their spring season at the Keene Trace Collegiate, hosted by Morehead State. The Leathernecks will hit the road to Nicholasville, Kentucky.
Previously
Western Illinois is coming off a seventh-place finish at the Jackrabbit Invitational in Boulder Creek, Nevada, where the Leathernecks posted a three-round total of +8. WIU opened the tournament strong at +1 behind a historic 65 (-7) from Mateo Rascon, one of the top rounds in program history, before a tougher +4 second round. The Leathernecks bounced back in a big way to close, firing a tournament-best -3 in the final round, highlighted by Julian Ortiz's 68 (-4) and a 70 (-2) from Easton Korell. Rascon led the team overall with a -2 finish (T8), while Ortiz followed at +2 (T24) as Western Illinois showed both high-end scoring ability and resilience throughout the 54-hole event.
OVC Season Predictions
The OVC released its preseason poll and Players to Watch list ahead of the 2026 season, with Western Illinois picked to finish 11th with 16 points, just behind Tennessee State and Eastern Illinois. Sophomore Owen Howe earned a spot on the OVC Players to Watch list following a strong showing last season for the Leathernecks.
Returning Big Names
Western Illinois returns three players from last year's squad. Bayden Hubacher and Nathan Tillman highlight the three returners. Hubacher and Tillman played in all four events last season. The final returner is a Burlington, IA native, Mateo Rascon. Rascon also played in all four events from the previous season, with his best finish being a tie for 18th at the OVC Championships. The Leathernecks also welcome back Johnston, IA native Owen Howe, who tied for 38th at the OVC Championships.
Golf Course
The Keene Trace Collegiate is held on the Keene Trace Golf Course. The course is a par 72 with 18 rounds that plays 7,139 yards. The Keene Trace Collegiate is a one-round tournament that will kick off Monday morning.
Competition
Morehead State, Xavier University, Transylvania University, Anderson University (IN), Miami University (OH), University of Kentucky, Mount St. Joseph University, University of Pikeville, Centre College, Eastern Illinois University, Western Illinois University.
