LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i native T.J. Kua of the University of Hawai‘i and Alex Ching of the University of San Diego are tied for the lead with a three-under par 69 following the opening round of the Kaua‘i Collegiate Invitational golf
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i native T.J. Kua of the University of Hawai‘i and Alex Ching of the University of San Diego are tied for the lead with a three-under par 69 following the opening round of the Kaua‘i Collegiate Invitational golf tournament at the Puakea Golf Course.
Kua’s lead (35-34-69) also helps the host University of Hawai‘i men’s golf team post an opening round team total 285 to lead the tournament.
Following Kua, Cory Oride, a Kaua‘i High School graduate, follows in the team standings with a one-under par 71 (34-37).
Other Hawai‘i golfers include Henry Park at even par (36-36-72), Tommy Yamashita finishing one-over par 73 (36-37) and Mike Koeneke with a 75 (39-36).
Ching, a Hawai‘i native, finished with a three-under 33 on the Puakea back nine en route to his 69 to help lead the University of San Diego.
USD is the three-time defending champion, and posted a team 296 following the opening round. The next San Diego golfer, Grant Forrest, posted a two-over par 74.
John Duke Hudson of the College of Charleston posted a two-under par 70 (35-35), just a stroke off the pace, to lead the first-time appearing team to its 289, just four strokes back of Hawai‘i for second place.
Seattle University is tied with San Diego at 296, led by Quin Koplitz who finished the opening round with a one-under 71 (37-34).
Utah Valley State University is at 300 led by Mason Casper (36-34-70) with North Dakota State University rounded out the teams at 308.
Nainoa Calip of the University of Hawai‘i leads the Individual Competitors with a two-under par 70 (35-35) followed by Seth Stuart (38-35) of College of Charleston and Trenton Olson (32-42) of North Dakota State tied at 73.
Play continues at the Puakea Golf Course Tuesday and Wednesday.
