DePaul University Athletics
Budd, Westley a Couple of Comeback Kids
7/29/2011 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S GOLF
July 29, 2011
CHICAGO - DePaul golfers Russell Budd and Ben Westley both found ways to turn around their games in recent tournaments this summer.
After opening up with a stellar 69 in the July 19-22 Toronto Star Golf Tournament in Etobicoke, Ontario, Budd shot a 77 in the second round.
The junior from Toronto bounced back to record a 69 in the third round and a 73 in the final round to finish in a tie for 10th place at 288.
Budd wound up six strokes off the pace of Toronto Star winner Garrett Rank.
"Budd went up against a good field with a lot of top Canadian amateurs and collegiate players," said DePaul golf coach Betty Kaufmann. "There was pressure to make the cut after the first two days.
"When he shot the 77, he didn't do anything wrong. The room for error was very small, and the breaks didn't go his way.
"What Russell did was focus on what he did do well and come back strong the next day."
Blue Demon teammate Ben Westley opened with a 76 in the Minnesota State Open July 22-24 at the Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove, Minn.
Undeterred, Westley charged right back to shoot a 71 in the second round and a 67 in the final round to finish in a tie for 13th at 214.
The senior from Minneapolis was sixth among amateurs in this pro-am event, seven strokes behind winner Troy Johnson.
"After shooting that 76, Ben really finished strong," Kaufmann said. "I told him to pick your tournaments and then extend yourself a little bit competing against a higher level.
"He is so steady---right around 71-72-73. You don't get many bad numbers from him. Ben stayed patient throughout the tournament, and that 67 on the last day was big."
Kaufmann appreciated the resolve of her golfers.
"Each time these guys struggled and put up a bad number, they rebounded significantly," Kaufmann said. "That's a sign they let the bad round go and played with confidence the next day.
"As a team, we haven't done that in recent years. I'm hoping that ability to bounce back will continue into our collegiate season."
Erik Peterson was the medalist at the July 18 Illinois State Amateur Championship qualifier at the Marengo Ridge Golf and Country Club in Marengo, firing a 4-under-par 68. The senior from Palatine will compete in the state amateur event Aug. 9-11 at the Glen Oak Country Club in Glen Ellyn.
"Being the medalist was great, and Erik has elevated his game to another level this summer," Kaufmann said. "His hard work is paying off with results, and I am excited for him."
Peterson and Brad Stephens compete Aug. 1 in the USGA Amateur Qualifying Tournament at Glen Flora Country Club in Waukegan.
Budd competes in the USGA Amateur qualifier Aug. 1 at the Grove City, Pa. Country Club.
