DeKALB— Four months ago, former NIU men’s golf captain Jordan Less was reflecting on a putt that cost him the MAC individual golf championship. Today he’s preparing for the first stage of Korn Ferry Tour qualifying. 

Less posted a 9-under, T-12 finish in the Korn Ferry Pre Qualifying tournament at Lake Caroline Golf Club in Madison, MS, placing the former Huskie well inside the top 32 players.

“I just knew I needed to have a few good rounds,” Less said. “Under-par each was probably gonna get it done and then just got hot with some wedges the final day to post a bogey-free 65.”

In his final season, Less had a team-best scoring average of 73.90 and started all seven events for the Huskies. Along with his tie for second at the MAC Championship, Less took a solo 4th place finish at the Aggie Invitational, besting two of the top 10 amateurs in the world rankings at the time.

The first team All-MAC selection has not had a quiet summer. In June, Less qualified at Cogg Hill Country Club in Lemont for the USGA U.S. Open Sectional qualifying stage. Though Less did not advance to Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, CA, the experiences learned along the way have led him to this point.

“It’s come down to belief,” Less said. “It’s taking that next step and putting in the work and saying you deserve this.” 

Less is one of the first Huskies in recent history to take on the professional circuit, and the belief stretches from further than himself.

“I wish I could have coached Jordan for ten more years,” said Head men’s golf Coach John Carlson. “I think he needed to see this summer what traveling like a pro is like and to see the results. I wish him the best as he moves forward.” 

Less is now in limbo as he awaits his tournament assignment for stage one. Korn Ferry Tour Stage One tournaments begin Sept. 14 through Sept. 28 at 12 locations across the U.S.