Sunriver, Ore.-- BYU trails leader Colorado State by four strokes after a first round plagued by cold, rainy conditions at the Mountain West Conference Championshps at the Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon.
All-American Billy Harvey and Kyle Wight led BYU with first round 75's. Because of rains, strong winds and 30-degree temperatures only one golfer was able to shoot par in the first round. James Kurtenbach of Colorado State shot a first round 72 to help the Rams shoot a first round 301. Harvey and Wight are in tied for third place with San Diego State's Lars Johansson, winner of the BYU's Cougars Classic last week, and John Lepak.
"This was difficult weather to play in, but we still played pretty well," BYU head coach Bruce Brockbank said. "Kyle and Billy were fantastic for us. We've just got to be a little more consistent."
BYU was one-over-par on the front nine, but 16-over-par on the back nine where they ran into heavy rains. The No. 16 Cougars have struggled this spring with falling behind early in tournaments. With only four strokes separating them from the leaders, BYU is confident of its chances of catching Colorado State with still two rounds to go.
"That says a lot of about our team depth when Manuel (Merizalde) shoots an 80 and we are only fours shots away from leading this tournament," Brockbank said.
The second round of play will begin at 10 a.m. (PDT) Tuesday morning with the final 18 holes being played Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Team Standings Scores
1. Colorado State 301 (+13)
2. BYU 305 (+17)
3. San Diego State 307 (+19)
4. Utah 313 (+25)
5. New Mexico 314 (+26)
6. UNLV 316 (+28)
7. Wyoming 317 (+29)
8. Air Force 332 (+44)
Individual Scores
1. James Kurtenbach, Colorado State 72 (E)
2. Robby Stephenson, Colorado State 74 (+2)
3. Billy Harvey, BYU 75 (+3)
Kyle Wight, BYU 75 (+3)
Lars Johansson San Diego State 75 (+3)
John Lepak, San Diego State 75 (+3)
BYU Scores
3. Billy Harvey, BYU 75 (+3)
3. Kyle Wight, BYU 75 (+3)
Jesse Hibler, BYU 78 (+6)
Scott Miller, BYU 77 (+5)