UCO grabs first-round lead in Broncho Invitational at Rose Creek
EDMOND – Central Oklahoma grabbed a firm lead in the first round of the Broncho Invitational and held that spot through two rounds of play at Rose Creek Golf Club Monday.
UCO posted a 36-hole 594 (389-305) through cold and blustery conditions and the Bronchos have a six-stroke lead over second place Northeastern State (600). Southwestern Oklahoma State and Harding are tied for third (608) while Washburn (610) rounds out the top five in the 16-team event.
Final round play is scheduled for Tuesday at 9 a.m.
“We played really well early and though the second round was tough, the guys did a good job of holding on and keeping our lead,” UCO head men’s golf coach Derrick Thompson said. “It wasn’t very nice out here today, but you can’t use that excuse because it was like that for everybody. The guys did a good job today.”
UCO entered its five-man lineup, but also included three individuals and it was one of those individuals, junior Ross Taylor, that goes into Tuesday’s final round as the leader in the clubhouse.
Taylor shot a 3-under 69 in the first round Monday and followed with a 3-over 75 in the second round. His even-par 144 is the best 36-hole score of 90 players in the field. Taylor has a one-shot lead in the individual standings over teammate Bennett Baldwin.
Baldwin, part of UCO’s starting lineup, posted a 3-under 69 as well in Monday’s first round and followed with a 4-over 76 in the second round.
Caleb Kimmel (72-77 – 149) is tied for sixth in the individual standings and Kyle Hickey (75-75 – 150) is tied for eighth. Dylan Henderson (73-78 – 151) and Evan Griffith (75-77 – 152) are also both in the Top 20 as UCO pushed itself to the top of the pack with a well-rounded first 36 holes.
Riley Harris (84-83 – 167) and Brady Wicker (81-82 – 173) also competed as individuals.
Central Oklahoma is scheduled to tee off at 9 a.m. Tuesday looking for its first tournament win of the season. The Bronchos have seven Top 10 finishes in eight tournaments this season and four Top 5 finishes.