HENDERSON, NEV. – Kelton Hirsch carded an opening round 5-under 67 to lead BYU men’s golf to an 11-under 277 in the first round of the WCC Championship at Reflection Bay Golf Club.
Hirsch, Carson Lundell, Keanu Akina and Cole Ponich posted the top scores of the day to lead the Cougars into second place, eight shots behind No. 8 ranked Pepperdine who had an opening round 19-under 269. BYU is one shot ahead of No. 25 San Francisco who is third at 278.
“Kelton’s 31 on the back nine was huge for the team,” said BYU head coach Bruce Brockbank. “Carson continues to play great golf and a 70 from Keanu really helped us as well.”
Hirsch eagled the par-5 14th hole to go with four birdies for an opening round 67. The senior from Centerville, Utah heads into the second round tied for third, just one shot back of co-leaders Tim Widing of San Franciisco and Gavin Cohen of LMU who shot 66 to lead the field of 45 individuals.
Lundell made four birdies on the back nine to finish day one with a 4-under 68. He joins Hirsch in the top-10 of the individual standings with a tie for seventh. The junior from Alpine, Utah has now posted scores in the 60s in four consecutive rounds.
Akina gave the Cougars a strong start with three birdies on the front nine and nine-straight pars on the back to card a 2-under 70 and tie for 11th.
Cole Ponich shot an even-par 72 and David Timmins posted a 78 to complete the Cougars' scoring on Thursday.
BYU will continue its battle for the WCC Championship at 8:40 a.m. PDT on Friday, April 30. Follow the scoring with live updates on Golfstat.
WCC Championships Round One Top-5
| Position | Team | R1 | Total | To Par |
| 1 | No. 8 Pepperdine | 269 | 269 | -19 |
| 2 | BYU | 277 | 277 | -11 |
| 3 | No. 25 San Francisco | 278 | 278 | -10 |
| 4 | San Diego | 283 | 283 | -5 |
| 5 | Loyola Marymount | 286 | 286 | -2 |