ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –– The No. 22 New Mexico men’s golf team had a strong opening day of the 70th annual William H. Tucker Invitational at the UNM Championship Course on Friday as the first two rounds were played. The Lobos hold the 36-hole lead at 18-under, while freshman Emil Albers is atop the individual leaderboard at 9-under.
The Lobos shot 12-under during the morning’s first round, before posting a 6-under score in the second round. They finished the day at 18-under and hold a 2-shot lead over Colorado, who is 16-under. USC is third at 15-under, while Long Beach State, Santa Clara and Grand Canyon are all tied for fourth at 12-under.
Albers, who is playing the event as an individual, leads the tournament at 9-under after rounds of 67 and 68. He will take a one-shot lead into the final round. Another Lobo freshman is also in the top five as Thayer Plewe is T-4th at 7-under after rounds of 68 and 69. Wyatt Provence is at 3-under, Mesa Falleur is at 1-under and Johnnie Clark rounds out the UNM lineup at even par through two rounds. Alvaro Portillo, playing as an individual, is at 7-over.
“I am proud of the guys for battling and it was a full team effort today,” said head coach Jake Harrington. “The guys who had it in the morning, didn’t have it in the afternoon and vice versa. Ollie, to bounce back with 4-under in the afternoon, really lifted our team. Thayer was solid the entire day, as was Wyatt. Everyone contributed to put us in a great spot. I am really proud of Emil, as a freshman, to come back after not playing his best in Utah, and come out and play some great golf and have the lead. That says a lot about our program and the depth we have on this team. Overall, I think we could have played better, but it is good when you aren’t at your best and still are in position to win the tournament. Tomorrow we have to go out and win the day because no one is going to give it to us. There are a lot of really good teams right on our heels.”
The final round of the William H. Tucker Invitational is Saturday, beginning at 7:45 am with a shotgun start. Admission is free.
Lobos Hold 36 Hole Lead at the William H. Tucker Invitational
