University of Hawai’i senior James Whitworth finished the first day of the 49th John A. Burns Intercollegiate tied for second place after shooting a season-low 3-under 67. The event, held at the Ocean Course at Hokuala in Līhu’e, Kaua’i, saw challenging windy conditions.
Whitworth, from Carlsbad, California, made five birdies during his round. He managed three consecutive birdies to reach 4-under after nine holes. On his final hole, a birdie attempt lipped out, which would have given him a share of the lead with Utah’s Sergio Jimenez. Whitworth is currently tied with Aaron Pounds of Texas A&M, Braden Smith of UTEP, and Trevor Algya of Loyola Marymount for second place.
He was the only University of Hawai’i player to finish under par on a day when just 20 out of 111 golfers posted scores below par. Among the teams competing, only three finished under par in the opening round. Loyola Marymount leads at 3-under 276 and holds a one-stroke advantage over Texas A&M (277). Long Beach State is third at 278, while four teams are tied for fourth at 281. Host team Hawai’i is in twelfth place with a score of 284 (+4), remaining within reach for its first title at this tournament.
Other Hawai’i players include sophomore Nathan Szpakowicz, who ended with a score of 71 (+1) after recovering from bogeys throughout his round but dropping another on his last hole to tie for 32nd place. Junior Dane Watanabe started with three bogeys in four holes but rallied with three birdies over seven holes to finish at 72 (+2), tying for 46th.
Cameron Combado shot a 74 (+4) and Alec Hilgers carded a 77 (+7). Competing as individuals were Chris Salem (78) and Quinn Murray (81).
The tournament continues Friday with Round Two starting at 9:00 a.m. HT via shotgun start.
