With the top 10 teams advancing to the NCAA national championships, the Northwestern men’s golf team is still in position to grab a spot.

The No. 27 Wildcats shot a 1-under 287 in the first round of the Central Regional in Manhattan, Kan., and are currently in 11th place, tied with defending national champion Minnesota, Kansas State and Texas Christian. They stand one shot back of 10th-place Arkansas.

Illinois leads the 27-team field with a first-round 275. Southern Methodist is just two shots behind the Fighting Illini.

Senior Bjorn Widerstedt led the Cats on Thursday, shooting 3-under with five birdies. Widerstedt is tied for 14th place.

Juniors Tom Johnson and Casey Strunk each shot 1-under and are now tied for 30th place.

Senior Scott Harrington is in 111th place with a 4-over and junior T.C. Ford is in 132nd place with a 6-over.

The tournament’s individual leader is North Carolina State’s Jason Moon, who is at 6-under. Second place is a four-way tie that includes two Illinois players.

The second round takes place today, and the regional action ends on Saturday. The NCAA national championships will be held at Oklahoma State beginning on May 27.

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