photo by: Kansas Athletics

Kansas golfer Cecil Belisle watches his ball at American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Mich., on Sept. 6, 2023.

Kansas’ Cecil Belisle opened his senior season with a bang this week, shooting a 1-under 212 in three rounds at the Folds of Honor Collegiate in Grand Haven, Michigan, and winning his first event as a Jayhawk.

Belisle began the event with a 3-under 68 on Monday to tie for second place right away, then stayed consistent with a pair of 1-over 72s Tuesday and Wednesday to claim victory by a one-stroke margin.

“I am extremely grateful for this win and hopefully there are more to come,” Belisle said in a press release.

The final score of 212, cemented after Belisle birdied his final hole of the competition, was just enough to outlast Jack Tanner of Memphis and Angelo Marcon of Notre Dame, who made late charges with scores of 69 in the third round. Nick Mathews of NC State, who had previously been in first place after shooting a 67 on Monday, and Alex Goff of Kentucky also came one stroke short of Belisle’s mark.

The result was a landmark victory for the Red Wing, Minnesota, native. Belisle had transferred to KU from South Mountain Community College for his junior season last year, and his previous best performance had come in his home state when he tied for fourth at last year’s Gopher Invitational. This week, KU coach Jamie Bermel said in the release, Belisle was “in total command of his golf ball.”

“I’ve had quite a few champions in my career, but this win for Cecil is extra special,” Bermel said. “He works as hard as anyone I have ever coached and always comes to the building looking to get better. His attitude and desire to get better is contagious. What a win for a very special kid.”

The rest of the Jayhawks failed to gain much traction at American Dunes Golf Club, with the exception of Gunnar Broin, who tied for 24th at 5-over, and KU came in 12th overall of 18 teams.

Belisle and the team will be back in action at that same Gopher Invitational at Windsong Farm Golf Club beginning Sunday.

photo by: Missy Minear/Kansas Athletics

Cecil Belisle during the NCAA Regional in Norman, Okla., on May 17, 2023.