Baker Ends Career in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio ? Cyclone senior golfer Chris Baker made a late push for the NCAA Championships but fell two strokes shy of the cut Saturday afternoon in Columbus, Ohio. Baker's final round of 74 brings his 54-hole total to 222 (73-75-74).

After beginning the day nine spots out of qualification, the all-Big 12 golfer breezed thorough the first eight holes on the back nine, shooting a total 1-under par. However, Baker ran into trouble on No. 18, where he shot a 4-over par, his only over-bogey hole in the tournament. The Brownstown, Ind. native did finish above all other stand-alone individuals and above some of the best golfers in the country, including top-ranked golfer Rickie Fowler of Oklahoma State. He placed in a tie for 12th among a field of 141.

Baker finishes his Cyclone career as one of the top golfers to play for Iowa State. A three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection, he now holds the best single-season stroke average in school history with a 71.66 mark. He also holds the record for low round (64). Baker has stated he will try to play professionally at the conclusion of his collegiate career.

NCAA Qualifying Teams
1. Wake Forest 290-287-302=879
2. Oklahoma State 293-299-297=889
3. Illinois 298-292-301=891
T4. Florida 294-300-300=894
T4. Louisville 301-293-300=894
6. Alabama 292-295-309=896
7. Texas A&M 298-294-305=897
T8. Kent State 302-295-301=898
T8. Penn State 304-286-308=898
T8. Indiana 300-297-304=901

NCAA Individual Qualifiers
7. Derek Tolan, Colorado 73-72-73=218
T9. James Sacheck, TCU 74-76-70=220*
* won in two-hole playoff

Iowa State Scores
T12. Chris Baker 73-75-74=222