HOCKLEY, Texas – BYU men’s golf tied both matchups at the Big 12 Match Play event at the Club at Houston Oaks on Monday.
“This is a new experience, and it’s really fun,” said BYU Director of Golf Todd Miller. “There is definitely a learning curve for us as coaches picking matches against the other teams. We competed well as a team today. We just needed to get a win on a few of those tied matches down the stretch.”
Junior Zac Jones led the Cougars as he won both his individual matches against Cooper Schultz of Kansas State (3&2) and Chi Chun Chen of Houston (6&4).
“The atmosphere of the Big 12 and a match play tournament is really special, and it’s nothing like we’ve played in before,” said Z. Jones. “You really feel like you’re playing for a team, more so than when you still count an individual score, and it makes it fun. The pressure and intensity are higher, and you have to trust your teammates and their capabilities.”
The Cougars will tee off against No. 2 seed Oklahoma on holes 8-10 at 7:45 a.m. CDT on Tuesday.
Day One Morning vs Kansas State
The Cougars started the morning against Kansas State, with both Z. Jones (3&2) and Cooper Jones (4&3) winning their matchups.
Cooper tied the first two holes with Alex Lindstrom but spent the entirety of the round up, as much as six holes at one point.
Cole Ponich matched his opponent through the final four holes to finish in a tie against the Wildcats. Max Brenchley fell 3&2 to JP Roller, while Keanu Akina dropped a 6&5 decision to Luke O’Neill.
Day One Afternoon vs Houston
In the afternoon, BYU also played a tie match with Houston. Z. Jones (6&4) and Brenchley (2&1) won their matches, with C. Jones tying his.
Despite staying in it with Hudson Weibel all afternoon, Akina fell to on the final hole, with Ponich dropping a 4&3 decision to Austyn Reily.
“The highlight of the day was one bounce dunking my chip over the green on hole one against Houston after making a crucial mistake,” said Z. Jones. “That stuff happens in match play! Looking for a smooth day tomorrow, trying to stay patient and focused!”