Cold conditions and scorching scorecards: that’s the recipe for success for Joliet Co-op’s Trent Wallace.
One day after shooting a 5-under 67 at Prestwick Country Club in less than stellar conditions, Wallace followed with a 3-under 69 Saturday at The Sanctuary to win the 28-team Providence Invitational.
“It’s my putting,” Wallace said. “I feel like anything inside 12 feet I’m going to sink.”
Wallace topped the 140-player field for the second straight year. He finished 27th in state last season and 20th as a sophomore. Joliet coach Ed Larson noted Wallace’s mental maturity and believes the senior should be in contention for a top-five finish at state.
Wallace beat out Naperville Central’s Scott Dunsire, Loyola’s Bennett Cotten, Lincoln-Way East’s Jake White and Providence’s Ricky Costello, who each shot an even-par 72.
White, fifth in the tournament last year, carded three birdies on the day. The three-year varsity starter continues to be a consistent ace for the Griffins.
“This is a really big tournament,” White said. “There’s a lot of great teams here, and I love Sanctuary, so it’s always great to shoot a good round here.”
Providence maintained its steady play with a 295 to champion the invite. The Celtics topped Loyola (304), Downers South (317), Lincoln-Way East (321) and Lincoln-Way Central (322).
The Celtics had three other scorers join Costello in the top 10: Will McCabe and Kevin McEneany shot 74s and Mickey Brick had a 75.
“There’s no real pressure because I know our top three guys are great players,” said McEneany, who sits in the No. 4 spot. “Then it’s just up to us — the next three guys — to have a good round. Sometimes we have a better round than those (top three) and it’s just a plus for us.”
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Jack Mulligan finished sixth with a 73. Nazareth’s Matt Clark was ninth with a 75.
