TUCSON, Ariz. – The Arizona Wildcats completed the opening round of the John Burns Intercollegiate Wednesday in Lihue, Hawaii with a score of 290 (+2). The Wildcats are tied with Washington State for third place, 14 shots behind leader Texas.
Senior Kolton Lapa paced the Wildcats on the par-72 Wailua Golf Course with a 2-under, 70. The senior from Mesa had five birdies, including three on the front-nine and is tied for fifth place in conditions that saw the wind speeds approach 20 miles per hour. He had back-to-back birdies on holes No. 1 and 2, and birdied all of the par fives on the course. He wasn't the only Wildcat to notch a below par score. Sophomore Jake Kreuz posted a 1-under, 71 and is tied for 10th.
"Today was a really tough day playing with the wind,” said senior Kolton Lapa. “Our team did an amazing job fighting the wind throughout the whole day and overall I am really happy for our team. We haven't had a team round like this in a long time. Our guys are really happy right now and hopefully we can continue this kind of play for the next two days."
Jordan Gumberg earned himself a spot in the top 20 with a score of 72 (E) to tie for 15th. Sophomore Max Donohue notched a 77 (+5) to earn him a share of 63rd place. Freshman Tyler Moore tied for 81st with a score of 79 (+ 7). Competing as an individual, sophomore Peter Koo shot a 78 (+8) to give him a share of 69th place.
“We had a solid start today and the team is coming together on this trip,” said head men's golf coach Jim Anderson. “Windy conditions require patience and I was proud to see how our guys demonstrated the attitude and effort that we expect from them all day. It is great when three of our four posting scores are par or better as that is the first time for this squad this year. We need to regroup and remember it is a three day tournament. More patience will be needed to pick up shots on the teams ahead of us. We will look to do more of the same tomorrow and maybe we can add a fourth score at or under par.”
Arizona tees off tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. MST. To follow the action live, visit golfstat.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.
