Cougars go back-to-back at 58th Cougar Classic

PROVO, Utah — BYU men’s golf shot 40 under par to take home the team championship at the 58th PING Cougar Classic, while Boise State’s Max Charles set the 54-hole scoring record of 19 under to win individual honors.

"I am so impressed and very pleased with the way our team came out and took care of business this weekend," said BYU head coach Bruce Brockbank. "From top to bottom, we made a lot of birdies, especially during the cold, windy and rainy second round. Shooting 33 under on a 36-hole day is impressive anywhere."

The Cougars held an 18-shot lead entering the final round and held off a late charge from Utah Valley on the final day to secure their 40th Cougar Classic title in the 58-year history of the event. 

"UVU played an incredible final round today," said Brockbank. "They really put some heat on our guys right when they needed to, but our guys dug deep and responded well to hang on for the win. I was really impressed with how our individuals played this weekend as well."

Elijah Turner, who played as an individual, was the low finisher for BYU as he finished tied for second at 13 under par with Caden Weber of Utah Valley. Turner fired rounds of 67-69-67—203 to post his best BYU finish, top 54-hole total and the low 18-hole score of his Cougar career. The senior carded just five bogies in three rounds to go along with 18 birdies, including five in a row to conclude his final round.

Tyson Shelley finished two shots back of Turner at 11 under to earn a share of fourth. The sophomore reported rounds of 67-69-69—205 for the low 54-hole total of his young career. Shelley made 14 birdies in 54 holes with only three blemishes on his scorecard.

Carson Lundell and Max Brenchley posted matching 9-under totals to tie for seventh. The two-time Cougar Classic champion turned in rounds of 68-68-71—207 while Brenchley shot 69-71-67—207. The 9-under total for Brenchley matches his low 54-hole total as a Cougar.

Brock Goyen, who played as an individual, took 10th alone after shooting 8 under par. The senior matched the best finish of his career by shooting 66-69-73—208 with 15 birdies and an eagle over the three rounds.

Zac Jones and Keanu Akina took a share of 11th as they turned in 7-under totals for the championship. Jones finished with rounds of 68-72-69—209, while Akina turned in scores of 70-67-72—209. David Timmins finished in a tie for 20th at 5 under after shooting 71-66-74—211.

No. 44 BYU (273-270-281—824) took home the team title after a 40-under-par performance to best cross-town rival Utah Valley (271-290-271—832) by eight shots. CSU–Northridge took third at 21 under par with New Mexico State finishing fourth at 17 under. Wyoming and Saint Mary’s rounded out the top 5 in a tie for fifth at 16 under par.

Max Charles of Boise State won individual honors at the Cougar Classic after shooting 19 under for three rounds. His scores of 68-63-66—197 bests the Cougar Classic 54-hole record of 17 under (199) set by former Cougar great and current Korn Ferry Tour player Peter Kuest in 2019.

"Charles only made one bogey in 54 holes, which is hard to do when you play a firm, fast golf course like Riverside," said BYU director of golf Todd Miller. "His record-breaking performance is really impressive considering all the great Cougars we’ve had compete in the Cougar Classic over the past 58 years. I look forward to watching our guys chase that number next spring."

Charles made 20 birdies in 54 holes with his only bogey coming on the 18th hole of his opening round. The Boise State senior shot a bogey-free 15 under over the final 36 holes to earn the third victory of his collegiate career.

Andrew Chin carded an even-par final round to finish at 15 over par with scores of 80-79-72—231.

"I couldn't be happier with the play of our team this weekend," said Miller. "This type of dominant win gives us some great momentum going into the postseason and I’m very confident in our ability to make a run at the WCC Championship next week."

The Cougars will next travel to Bremerton, Washington, for their final West Coast Conference Championship, April 27-29.

58th PING Cougar Classic | Team Leaderboard 

 58th PING Cougar Classic | BYU Leaderboard

*Playing as an individual