BYU takes an early lead in season opener at Tucker Invitational

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — BYU men’s golf commenced its 2021-22 campaign by shooting 21-under-par to take an 11-shot lead after 36-holes at the William H. Tucker Invitational in New Mexico on Friday.

“I’m really proud of the way we played today,” said BYU head coach Bruce Brockbank. “It was an all-around team effort and it was great to see everyone contribute.”

All six Cougars are in the top-25 entering the final 18-holes on Saturday. BYU was led by junior David Timmins and sophomore Keanu Akina who sit in a tie for third place at 6-under par. Akina opened with a 2-over 74 but posted the low round of the tournament with an 8-under-par 64 in the second round for a 36-hole total of 138. Timmins posted rounds of 70-68—138. Both are five shots off the lead, chasing Aidan Thomas of New Mexico State who is 11-under following rounds of 67-66—133. 

All-American senior Carson Lundell shot rounds of 72-68—140 good for seventh place, while freshman Tyson Shelley kicked off his BYU career with a 36-hole score of 73-70—143 (T12). Max Brenchley rounded out the team scoring with rounds of 70-74—144 (T16) to post even par on the day.

Cole Ponich is competing as an individual at the Tucker this weekend and fired rounds of 74-71—145 which puts him in a tie for 21st entering the final 18-holes tomorrow morning.

“As good as we played this afternoon, we can still clean some things up,” said BYU assistant coach Todd Miller. “Tomorrow we need to take advantage of the short par-5’s and avoid short siding ourselves on the tucked hole locations.”

The Cougars made 28 birdies and an eagle to shoot 18-under in the second round to go with a 3-under par performance in round one. BYU's 36-hole total of 555 gives the Cougars an 11-stroke advantage over host New Mexico entering the final round tomorrow. WCC foe San Diego and New Mexico State are tied for third place at 2-under par.

BYU will tee off in the final round at 7:45 a.m. PDT with a shotgun start. Follow live scoring for the Cougars at golfstat.com.

*Individual Competitor

Day One Team Standings (Top 4)