Utah Golf Finishes Day 1 of Thunderbird Invite in Fourth

Monday, February 13

Sunbrook Golf Club - St. George, Utah

All Day

University of Utah

Thunderbird Invitational

Utah Golf Finishes Day 1 of Thunderbird Invite in Fourth

2/13/2006 12:00 AM | Men's Golf

Feb. 13, 2006

ST. GEORGE, Utah - Freshmen Chance Cota and Mike Branca finished the first day of competition at the Pat Hicks Thunderbird Invite tied for 15th after finishing with one-under par 71. Overall, Utah shot a one-under 287 on the day. Southern Utah leads the field of 13 with a 10-under 278. The final 18 holes will be played tomorrow at the Sunbrook Golf Course.

Cota shot a 38 on the first nine holes, before improving on the last nine holes with a 33. Branca shot a 36 on the first nine holes and shaved one stroke to score a 35 on the last nine holes.

Nick Carter was the top Ute finisher after shooting a three-under 69 on the first day of competition to finish tied for sixth. Carter shot a 33 on the first nine holes, followed by a 36 on the back nine. However, Carter is competing as an individual at the tournament.

Sophomore Dustin Pimm finished tied for 22nd with an even-par 72. Pimm scored a 38 on the first nine holes, before shooting a 34 on the last nine holes. Fellow sophomore Chris Gresh finished the day tied for 26th. Gresh shot a one-over 73 (34-39). Senior Steve Newren finished tied for 80th after shooting a 10-over 82 on the day.

Nick Micek and Chace Bickmore finished tied for 59th and 76th, respectively. Micek shot a six-over 78, while Bickmore scored a nine-over 81. Both Micek and Bickmore are competing as individuals.