Arizona State's Johnston fourth at Illini Invitational

Ryggs Johnston sniffed the lead late, eventually securing his second-best career finish (fourth) as Arizona State men's golf finished fourth to wrap up the 2022 Fighting Illini Invitational on Sunday, Sept. 18.

Johnston (70-64-71=205/-5) entered Sunday's third round just two strokes back of the lead with ASU (285-273-286) sitting in second. He was not the only Sun Devil in good position early as Jose Ballester started the day in groove, securing a season-high three straight birdies.

ASU maintained its team position through the front nine and Johnston cut his deficit on the tenth hole, securing a birdie to get the back-9 started. He would tie the lead after 15, but never take sole possession and eventually finish the day fourth overall, with ASU fourth as well. 

"Just giving yourself an opportunity to win, whether as an individual or team, is a big challenge and accomplishment," head coach Matt Thurmond said. "We need to keep doing that. We played well this week. The course was tough and the teams were tough. All of this makes us better for the next."

 Johnston and ASU will have a two-week break before teeing off at the Colonial Collegiate in Fort Worth, Texas on Oct. 3.