HOCKLEY, Texas – BYU men’s golf defeated No. 12-seeded Kansas 3-1-1 during a rainy final round on Wednesday morning to secure ninth place at the Big 12 Match Play event. The Cougars ended the event at 2-1-2.
"The Big 12 definitely does a great job with their Match Play event," said head coach Bruce Brockbank. "We knew there were strong teams and we found out firsthand how good they are from top to bottom." The guys fought hard and showed a lot of heart during every match this week. Moving forward, we need to manage our rounds a bit better, as well as continue to work on our short games and wedge play."
No. 1-seeded Texas won the tournament after defeating No. 3-seeded Baylor in the final round today 4-1. No. 5-seeded Oklahoma State defeated No. 10-seeded Houston in the third-place match 3-2.
Senior Cole Ponich defeated Kansas’s Cecil Belisle 4&3 after winning or halving the last six holes. Zac Jones halved his match with Davis Cooper after coming back from being two holes down. Kenau Akina dropped a 3&2 decision to Gunnar Broin.
Max Brenchley and Cooper Jones each canned long putts to secure a point apiece by winning their matches 2&1.
"This week was awesome," said C. Jones. "From showing up and checking in to our hotel to making a 40-foot eagle putt on the last hole to win my match. This golf course was sweet, and so is the Big 12."
The Cougars will take a few weeks off before they make the journey to the Aloha State for the Kapolei Invitational Oct. 30 - Nov. 2.