BYU men’s golf in second at Stockton Invitational after opening round

STOCKTON, Calif. — BYU men’s golf posted a 14-under-par 270 during the first round of the Visit Stockton Invitational, good for second place after round one of the three-day event held at Stockton Golf and Country Club.

Washington State leads the tournament after posting a 16-under-par 268 in the opening round. BYU is in second just two shots off the lead. Saint Mary’s holds the third spot at 12-under, followed by San Jose State at 9-under. Sacramento State and Utah are tied for fifth at 4-under par.

“As a team we really worked on keeping the big numbers off the scorecard,” said BYU director of golf Todd Miller. We were able to have five guys shoot sub-par rounds which kept us in the game and puts us in a good spot going into round two.”

BYU has four players in the top-11 heading into Friday's second round. Keanu Akina and Max Brenchley led the Cougars both shooting 4-under for a tie for fifth. Akina carded five birdies and a lone bogey in the opening round to shoot 67. Brenchley also shot 67 with five birdies, an eagle and three bogeys on his card.

Carson Lundelll and Cole Ponich are both one-shot back of their teammates after posting 3-under par. Lundell posted a 3-under 32 on his first nine, while Ponich posted a 5-under back nine to tie for 11th.

David Timmins shot a 1-under, 70 in his opening round, good for a tie for 25th. Brock Goyen played as an individual and is tied for 52nd after an opening round 73.

BYU will tee off at 9:15 a.m. on Friday in round two and will play with Washington State and Saint Mary's.