SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. –– The New Mexico men’s golf team began its 2022-23 season Friday with the opening round of play at the Maui Jim Intercollegiate at Mirabel Golf Club. The Lobos shot 6-under during the opening round and are tied for ninth place among the elite field that includes 10 preseason top-30 teams.
Auburn shot 22-under on Friday to hold the opening round lead. Oregon is second at 12-under, followed by Tennessee and Washington tied for third at 10-under. Florida State (10-under), Arizona State (9-under), Wake Forest (8-under), Arizona (7-under) and the Lobos and UCLA (6-under) round out the top 10.
“It was a nice start to the season,” said head coach Glen Millican. “All five of our guys did a nice job to post a good first round, especially Matt shooting a 66 to lead us.”
Matthew Watkins led UNM on Friday, shooting a 4-under 66, the best collegiate round of his career. Albert Boneta shot a 2-under 68 and Carson Herron was also in red numbers, posting a 1-under 69. Bastien Amat and Virgilio Paz rounded out the lineup, each shooting a 1-over 71.
The Maui Jim Intercollegiate will continue Saturday and conclude Sunday in Scottsdale.