TUCSON, Ariz. –– The New Mexico men’s golf team had a strong first day at the National Invitational as play began Friday at Omni Tucson National. The Lobos shot 18-under during the first two rounds to finish the day tied for third place among an elite field that includes nine top-30 teams.
The No. 28-ranked Lobos shot 17-under during the first round before shooting 1-under in the second round to end the day tied for third with top-ranked Oklahoma at 18-under. Second-ranked Oklahoma State is the 36-hole leader at 41-under, followed by host Arizona at 20-under. No. 9 Pepperdine and No. 12 Texas round out the top five, tied for fifth at 16-under.
“It was a really good day for our guys,” said head coach Glen Millican. “The morning round was really good and they held on in the wind for a solid afternoon round. It was a great effort by everyone today.”
Sam Choi led the Lobos on Friday, shooting rounds of 63 and 70 to finish the day T-2nd at 11-under. Bastien Amat is at 4-under after rounds of 72 and 68. Brandon Shong is at 1-under, Carson Herron is at 1-over and Matthew Watkins is at 2-over through 36 holes.
The National Invitational concludes Saturday with the final round at Omni Tucson National.