STANFORD, Calif. — No. 23 men’s golf (275-273-283–831) ended The Goodwin in fourth place at 9-under par at Stanford Golf Course on Saturday.
“Even though the guys made three birdies on the first hole, we didn’t come out striking the ball well,” director of golf Todd Miller said. “It seemed like every time we would make a birdie, we would follow it up with a bogey. The last nine holes we were in position to make a move on the leaders but as a team we made some doubles that took us out of contention.”
“Overall the team played solid golf,” Miller said. “We drove the ball extremely well all week and we made a lot of great putts. I am excited about how we are playing as we get closer to our post season.”
The Cougars have placed fourth or higher in five of the last six events. Despite making the most birdies and fewest bogeys at Stanford, BYU will take home its eighth fourth-place or higher finish in 2025-26.
Host Stanford (269-280-274–823) defended its home course by capturing the team title at 17-under par. The Cardinal led the field in par-5 scoring on their way to the crown. Runner-up UCLA (276-272-279–827) carded a 13-under par for the event. New Mexico (271-279-280–830) earned a 10-under-par third place. Along with the Bruins and Stanford, the Lobos made four eagles to lead all schools in that category. Long Beach State (270-279-286–835) finished four strokes behind the Cougars for fifth at 5-under par to round out the top-5.
Kihei Akina (66-66-67–199) received the runner-up spot at 11-under par, which gives him three consecutive finishes in second place or better. Akina led all players in par-4 scoring, and made the most birdies with 17.
“It was a great week,” Akina said. “We saw a lot of great golf from the team this week. We are a family, so we want to play well for each other. I always want to be a good example for my teammates and try to keep good positive energy.
“Kihei has brought stability to our golf team,” Miller said. “His quiet and confident demeanor affects everyone on this team including his coaches.”
Simon Kwon (69-68-70–207) posted a 3-under par for the tournament to finish tied for 15th. The senior earned his 11th top-15 finish of his BYU career.
Peter Kim (69-70–139) and Angus Klintworth (71-69–140) ended up sharing the 50th spot at 3-over par for the event. Klintworth’s final round featured a hole out from hole five’s fairway to eagle the par-4. Kim also recorded an eagle, which was on a par-5 on hole seven.
Tyson Shelley (75-71-73–219) concluded his play in Stanford tied for 97th at 9-over par.
“A lot of positives to take from this week as a team, but some things we need to clean up,” Akina said. “Getting ready to work on some of the shots/chips and putts that will be required at Pasatiempo for the Western Intercollegiate will be important.”
The Cougars will have a two-week break to prepare for the Western Intercollegiate at Pasatiempo Golf Club on April 13-15.