Cougars win John A. Burns Intercollegiate in record-setting fashion

KAUA’I, Hawai’i — BYU shattered the 54-hole school record as the Cougars won the John A. Burns Intercollegiate title by 18 shots, behind four players who earned top-10 finishes on Friday at the Ocean Course at Hokuala.

“They started off the tournament by making birdies and just kept going,” said BYU head coach Bruce Brockbank. “The guys hit the driver great all week, hit some really good iron shots, putted the lights out and it is extremely fun to watch these guys make putts.”

The Cougars went on a tear during the final round of the Burns Intercollegiate, posting the lowest 18-round in program history (22-under). On a windy and rainy weekend in Hawai’i, the Cougars fired rounds of 273-271-266—810 (54-under) to best all three ranked teams, who each finished in the top-5.

“I could kind of sense that it was going to be a special week from watching our practice rounds,” said BYU director of golf Todd Miller. “Every one of our guys was making between six and eight birdies per round and we were able to translate that to the tournament. After a bit of a lackluster fall season, this win was an incredible way for us to kick start the championship season.”

The Cougars led the field in total eagles and birdies on the week as they rolled in 81 birdies and eight eagles on the week. The birdie barrage led to a 54-under-total.

The previous 54-hole low for BYU came on Oct. 31, 2012, in the form of a 44-under performance to finish fifth at the Pacific Invitational. On this day, the Cougars' 54-under-par outing bests the previous program record by an astounding ten shots. This win marks the 59th career win for hall-of-fame coach Bruce Brockbank.

Carson Lundell led the way in BYU’s first win of the season as the senior found his groove, throwing down rounds of 70-63-66—199 to finish tied for third. His 17-under-par total bests his previous 54-hole career low by four shots with his round two 63 marking his lowest round as a Cougar.

Keanu Akina returned to his home state and posted three-straight rounds in the 60s on his way to a fifth-place finish, his best finish of the season. The Kahuku, Hawaii native turned in rounds of 66-67-69—202 for the best 54-hole score of his collegiate career. His 14-under-par performance earned him a solo fifth finish.

Tyson Shelley and David Timmins each earned top-10 finishes in Hawaii to help the Cougars set the all-time 54-hole mark. Shelley and Timmins each finished at 10-under-par with scores of 71-69-66—206 and 66-72-68—206 respectively.

Max Brenchley, who played as an individual, carded rounds of 65-72-70—207 to record the low 54-hole total of his career. Brenchley finished in a tie for 14th, his highest finish since last year’s WCC Championship.

Zac Jones tied for 26th after turning in rounds of 73-72-66—211. Elijah Turner rounded out the scoring for the Cougars as the senior shot 75-68-74—217 for a 1-over-par total.

“This win sets a high bar for this team,” said Miller. “Golf doesn’t always let you ride the wave for very long, so we will keep grinding to give ourselves more chances to win.”

After a couple of weeks off, the Cougars will be back in action March 6-7 at the Lamkin Invitational at San Diego Country Club.

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