BYU men’s golf in first after 36 holes; Cooper Jones in first

BYU men’s golf holds an 11-shot lead after day one of the Bridgestone Collegiate Invitational in Napa Valley, California. Four Cougars currently sit in the top 15, with Cooper Jones holding the 36-hole lead.

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NAPA VALLEY, California — BYU men’s golf holds an 11-shot lead after day one of the Bridgestone Collegiate Invitational in Napa Valley, California. Four Cougars currently sit in the top 15, with Cooper Jones holding the 36-hole lead.

The Cougars dominated in round one, shooting an 8-under-par round of 280 with a combined 27 birdies and one eagle. They followed up the opening round with a 3-under round of 285 in the afternoon. 

Jones shot rounds of 69 and 67 to finish the day at 136, three shots clear of the next competitor.

"Today was the first time my game has felt good in a while,” Jones said. "I made some putts and didn’t miss a lot of greens, so it was easy not to make any mistakes. The golf course is great, and it is fun to be out where Coach Miller grew up playing. We will get some rest and get after it again tomorrow.”

Along with Jones, three other Cougars are in the top 15 and within just a few shots of the lead after day one. Peter Kim (71-71–142; -2) in sixth, Zac Jones (70-73–143; -1) in seventh and Max Brenchley (70-74–144; Even) in 11th. Keanu Akina (72-77–149; +5) is in a tie for 31st and Brock Goyen (73-78–151; +7), who is playing as an individual, is in a tie for 40th.

The Cougars will finish the tournament with the final round on Tuesday morning, with live scoring at GolfStat.