No. 22 Brigham Young University men’s golf team moved into a tie for 20th place at 10-over par through 36 holes of the NCAA Championship on May 30 at Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California.
Director of golf Todd Miller said, “Besides a few high numbers on a couple holes, the guys played incredibly well today. The course is always tougher in the afternoons with more wind and firm greens.”
Freshman Kihei Akina finished Saturday’s round tied for ninth after shooting a two-under-par to bring his total to five-under for the championship. Akina recorded an eagle on hole 13 along with three birdies and eleven pars. Miller said, “Kihei is doing a great job at managing the expectations and stepping up every time the team needs him. It’s a big ask for a freshman to lead the team on a national championship course with all the pressure, but he’s handling it beautifully.”
Auburn led all teams after two rounds with a tournament-best sixteen-under-par round to move ahead by eight strokes at twenty-under par overall. Texas and Vanderbilt shared second place at twelve-under par each, while Oklahoma State and UCLA were tied for fourth at seven-under par.
Simon Kwon and Tyson Shelley both finished tied for 109th at six-over par following their respective rounds. Shelley carded three birdies and thirteen pars during his round. Miller said, “After a couple tough rounds, Tyson Shelley came up big for us today.” Peter Kim posted one-over-par to tie for 116th place, while Parker Bunn ended Saturday in a share of 136th position at nine-over par.
Miller also commented on Kim’s performance: “Peter’s three birdies to close out his round at least gives us a shot of making the first cut.” If BYU’s third-round score from Thursday is enough to push them inside the top fifteen teams, they will advance to Monday’s fourth and final stroke play round. The Cougars’ next tee time is scheduled for Sunday morning.
