Soon to be pro Herman Sekne trying to get Purdue golf to NCAA Championships
WEST LAFAYETTE — That distinct sound that's just a little bit different than most of the field at this week's NCAA regional, that's how you know Herman Sekne just teed off.
The Purdue senior is playing his home course for the final time, trying to get the Boilermakers through the regional at Kampen-Cosler Course.
It would require Purdue to be in the top five on the team leaderboard when final scores are compiled Wednesday.
Sekne is one of college golf's top players and a soon-to-be professional, but first he would like to have a ceremonial send off for his final time playing in West Lafayette.
"He's one of the best players that's ever played here. The sky is the limit for him," Purdue coach Rob Bradley said. "He's already a top ball striker in the world. He hits it so good. He hits it really long. Just tidying up a few little things with his game, I think he can compete with anybody. He's really special."
Sekne was recently named the Big Ten Golfer of the Year.
During the opening round of regional play Monday, Sekne shot a one-under 71, matching teammates Kent Hsiao, Peyton Snoeberger and Nels Surtani and one stroke ahead of fellow Boiler Sam Easterbrook.
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Despite shooting below par, it was an uneventful round for Sekne, who demands better of himself, especially on his home course.
"I feel like I left a few out there, but still a pretty decent round," Sekne said Monday.
While Sekne is disappointed in his own performance, he's pulled along his teammates and is a prime reason why Purdue is in position to advance to the NCAA Championships.
"He goes out there and plays well every tournament," Surtani said. "Learning from Herman the past four years has been a huge help for a lot of us. He's helped the team in more ways than just on the course."
How Sekne ended up in West Lafayette dates back to Purdue having a pre-existing connection thanks to a former player.
Jarle Volden played for the Boilermakers from 2015-19 and like Sekne is from Oslo, Norway.
"He was a good player here and we were at the same course back home," said Sekne, who finished high school at IMG Academy in Florida before coming to Purdue. "After that, coach came and watched me play a little bit in Europe and we connected well."
The Norway pipeline will continue with a recruit in the 2025 class.
But first, it's about Sekne and the Boilermakers trying to advance to the final tournament of this season.
"There's not a lot of guys who gets that opportunity to have a regional on their home course, so I just think getting that opportunity for my last year and hopefully playing for an NCAA championship is very nice," Sekne said.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue golf, led by Herman Sekne, eyes NCAA Championships
