A fierce comeback on day two was all for nothing. The Arkansas men's golf team finished in second place at the NCAA Regional Saturday at the Blessing Golf Course in Fayetteville, three strokes behind Illinois.
The Hogs led by one stroke heading into the day, but posted a 5-over par, 293 on the final round.
After making a nine-stoke comeback on day two to get in position, the final round started miserably for the Razorbacks. Illinois went up by as many as seven strokes on the front nine after the Hogs recorded three double-bogeys.
The back nine was the exact opposite. Arkansas made nine birdies down the stretch and cut the Illinois lead to just one, but got no closer.
Austin Cook led the Razorbacks, finishing in a tie for second place at two-under par total. Cook had an opportunity to tie for the lead on the final hole but left his 25-foot birdie putt inches short. Cook shot a two-over 74 on his final round.
Taylor Moore finished in a tie for eight at 2-over.
SEC champion Sebastain Cappelen tied for 14th at 4-over.
Despite not winning the regional, Arkansas moves on to the National Championship with its top five finish. The tournament will be held May 28- June 2 at the Capital City Club in Atlanta.