PALO ALTO, California – BYU men’s golf team sits in fourth at The Goodwin after 18 holes of golf at TPC Harding Park on Thursday. The Cougars carded an even-par score of 280.
"I liked the confidence I saw in the guys today,” BYU director of golf Todd Miller said. "They played with good energy and were, for the most part, sound in their course management.”
Tournament hosts Stanford, Tennessee and Georgia sit in a tie for first, just one shot ahead of the Cougars.
Keanu Akina is in a tie for fifth at 2-under after an opening-round 68. On the 18th, the senior knocked his approach to a foot and paid it off, making the birdie putt to close the opening nine. Later on the 9th, the senior hit a 5-iron within six inches of the hole and made the esuing birdie try for a closing birdie. Going into day two on Friday, Akina is two shots off the 18-hole lead.
"I’m very happy with how we played today,” Akina said. "Getting off to a good start is a nice change for our team, and I think coming off a win probably helped. Coach Brockbank challenged me to come more ready to play and play more determined off the bat. We did exactly that.”
Cooper Jones is just one shot behind Akina in a tie for eighth at 1-under-par. Zac Jones (71, +1) is in a tie for 28th while Peter Kim and Max Brenchley are in a tie for 48th at 2-over-par. Brock Goyen is playing as an individual and is in a tie for 92nd at 4-over.
"Tomorrow is going to be a real challenge in the wind and rain, but I believe these guys are prepared,” Miller said.
The Cougars will continue with round two on Friday with tee times. Live scoring can be found at GolfStat.com.