EDMOND, Okla. (Aug. 27, 2021) – Oklahoma Christian freshman Oskari Nikku hasn't yet played an official round for the Eagles, but he's already earned himself a spot in OC golf history.

The newcomer from Finland became one of only a handful of OC players – and certainly the first freshman – ever to make the cut in the Oklahoma Open. Nikku fired a 2-under-par 68 on Oak Tree Country Club's East Course and stood at 1-under 139 to make the cut to the top 40 and ties on the number.

Nikku will be one of 51 golfers – and one of only six amateurs – who will advance to the final round of the tournament on Saturday, out of a field of 133 who started. Amazingly, NIkku wasn't planning on playing in the Open, but on Tuesday replaced a teammate who was a late scratch from the event.

In recent years, only two other OC players – Trevor Norby and Sam Johnston, each a three-time NCAA Division II All-American – have made it to the final round of the Oklahoma Open, despite it being played on a course on which the Eagles often practice.

The other eight players with OC ties in the field didn't make the cut. The closest was alumnus Corey Hale, whose 68 on Friday put him at even par 140 for the tournament.

Junior Alejandro Armijo of Rio Rancho, N.M., posted a second straight 72 and closed at 144 (4-over). Sophomore Chase Gardner of Snohomish, Wash., also had a 72 and finished at 146 (6-over).