Fourth-ranked Virginia, the highest-ranked team in the 41st John A. Burns Intercollegiate, is in first after Wednesday’s opening round at Wailua Golf Course on Kauai.
The Cavaliers shot 20-under-par 268, led by Jimmy Stanger’s 62 and Derek Bard’s 66. Arizona’s Jordan Gumberg is tied for second with Bard.
Virginia is eight up on 18th-ranked Texas A&M and 14 ahead of 23rd-ranked UNLV. Rebel John Oda, out of Moanalua, shares 11th at 70.
Host Hawaii is 13th, at 298, with Cameron Kaneko, Chayutpol Kittirattanapaiboon and Kauai’s Pono Tokioka tied for 23rd at even-par 72.
UH-Hilo — an NCAA DII team — is 18th and last at 316. They are led by Jared Kinoshita (76).
The tournament ends Friday.
The Rainbows are coming off a 17th-place finish at Hawaii Hilo’s 26th Amer Ari Invitational, at Waikoloa Kings’ Course. They were 62 shots behind champion Texas Tech, whose winning score was 44-under par. The Vulcans finished last in the 21-team field.
The best Hawaii finisher at Waikoloa was Punahou graduate — and USC freshman — Kyle Suppa, who tied for 19th. The Trojans, who won the event last year, took second, eight shots back. Defending NCAA champion Oregon was third.
Ko Olina brings back Get Golf Ready
Ko Olina brings back its Get Golf Ready program Feb. 23. The series offers five classes in consecutive weeks, with the idea of learning the game and getting on the course with confidence.
There are beginner classes on Thursdays at 4 p.m., starting Feb. 23, and Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m., starting Feb. 25 and 26.
Intermediate classes are offered Thursdays at 5 p.m. (Feb. 23 start) and Sundays at 8 a.m. (Feb. 26).
A beginner class specifically for women will be Saturdays at 4 p.m., starting Feb. 25.
Cost is $109, with rental clubs and range balls supplied.
The next session of Ko Olina’s Kidz Club starts Feb. 26. Different levels are available with the series costing $150 and up. The developmental program is designed to introduce fundamentals in a safe and fun environment.
For more information on either program, visit the Ko Olina Golf Shop or koolinagolf.com, email golfpros@koolina.com or call 676-5300.
