Open Announce

Strong Back Nine Puts Lobos in Second After Day One of NCAA Salem Regional

by Steve Kirkland

SALEM, S.C. –– The New Mexico men’s golf team opened play Monday at the 2023 NCAA Salem Regional with the first round at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls. The Lobos caught fire on the back nine to shoot 16-under during the opening day of the event and are in second place.

The top five teams in the regional will advance to the NCAA Championship, held later this month in Scottsdale, Ariz. Arkansas is the 18-hole leader at 22-under, six shots ahead of the Lobos. North Carolina is third at 15-under, Northern Illinois is fourth at 13-under and Georgia Tech is in the fifth and final qualifying spot at 10-under.

The Lobos were 2-under at the turn and were in 11th place midway through the round before playing the back nine in 14-under. The round of 272 matched the lowest round of the season for New Mexico and broke the program record for the lowest round in a NCAA Regional (275, set twice before in 2007 and 1995).

Carson Herron led the Lobos during Monday’s round, shooting a 6-under 66, his lowest round of his collegiate career. He ends the day T-6th on the individual leaderboard. Albert Boneta led the UNM back-nine charge, shooting 29 coming in with seven birdies and two pars on the back nine to complete a round of 68. Bastien Amat also shot 68, carding birdies on five of the final six holes after playing the first 12 holes 1-over. Brandon Shong carded an opening round 70, while Matthew Watkins rounded out the lineup with a 77.

“Obviously, it was a great first round,” said head coach Glen Millican. “It seemed like the back nine, at least today, was more scorable. We got through the first nine OK and then had some guys really take advantage of the back nine. It was a great round by Carson, an awesome back nine by Albert and Bastien and consistent golf all day with Brandon. For Albert, to shoot 39-29, that shows a lot of maturity. These guys came out prepared, gave themselves a chance and are in a good position after day one.”

The NCAA Salem Regional continues Tuesday and concludes Wednesday at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls.