Cougars in the Thick of Things

STOCKTON, Calif. — The BYU golf team jumped out of the gate early, but could not keep up the pace during the first round of Pacific Invitational, shooting par and placing seventh after day one.

“We came out strong but couldn’t finish it on the back nine,” BYU assistant coach Todd Miller said. “We’re still in the thick of things and a good round tomorrow will put us up with the leaders.

BYU is just six shots behind the tournament leaders Nevada and Denver.

Junior Zac Blair led the Cougars after one round, shooting a 3-under 68. He started out hot, birdying three of the first nine holes, and finished the back nine at even. Freshman Patrick Fishburn and Sophomore Cole Ogden both shot par on the day, and are currently tied for 20^th overall.

Freshman McCoy Willey had the wildest ride of his young career. He had a bogey on the first hole, birdied the third and then drove into the water twice on the fourth. That put him at four over. He then started the back nine with birdies in three of the first four holes and finished the day 3-over.

The men will continue tournament play on Tuesday. To follow the tournament live, click here.