TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona men's golf team competed in the Saint Mary's Invitational on Monday in Pebble Beach, Calif. At the end of the first round, the Wildcats are in 12th place with a score of 297 (+13). Sophomore Max Donohue led the Cats in the onset of the compeitition. Donohue faired well shooting two birdies to card a 73 (+2) and is tied for a share of 19th at the end of the first round.
"Today was a tough day for all of the guys,” noted senior Kolton Lapa. “It got pretty windy on our back nine but our sophomore Max Donohue really clutched up and closed with an ending 33 on his back nine which was very impressive considering the conditions. I know all of our guys are really excited to get back out on the course and get a few shots back tomorrow morning. Personally, I just need to hit my irons better but I know if we all continue to play our game and worry about the process the results will follow."
Lapa and sophomore Jordan Gumberg are both tied for 30th place with a score of 74 (+3) on the day. Both Lapa and Gumberg carded two birdies and an eagle in the first round with Lapa's coming on the ninth hole and Gumberg's on 18.
“We had a crazy day,” noted head men's golf coach Jim Anderson. “I think we dealt with the nerves of our first event pretty well by getting off to a good start. That said, we missed a few shots and let it compound into bigger mistakes. We need to focus on our process and keep our calm throughout the day. Our guys are strong and we finished like a team that wants to compete. We had three birdies and an eagle on the 18th. We will take away our big numbers tomorrow and fight until the finish.”
Freshman Tyler Moore shot a 76 (+5) to tie him for 59th on day one of the competition. Moore posted three birdies in his debut round as a colligate golfer. Sophomore Jake Kruez carded an 81 (+10) to tie him for 79th. Playing as an individual, redshirt freshman Andrew Garner made his debut as a Wildcat, netting a 77 (+6) to give him a share of 63rd.
For live scoring of the St. Mary's Invitational, visit the Birdiefire website at www.birdiefire.com. For more information and updates about the University of Arizona men's golf team, follow @UAWildcatsGolf on Twitter, uawildcatsgolf on Instagram and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ArizonaWildcatsGolf
