Clemson, SC—Thomas Higgins and Jonathan Nielsen both had rounds of one-under-par 70 to lead Clemson in the first round of the Ka’anapali Classic at Royal Ka’anapali Golf Club in Lahaina, Hawaii. The Tigers had a team score of four-over-par 288 on the par 71 course, tied for 17th in the 20 team field.
The 54-hole tournament continues Friday and Saturday on the 6700 yard course. The 20 teams all start at 8:30 a.m. HT with a shotgun start.
Higgins had the second eagle of his career on the par five first hole, a big reason he shot four under par 33 on the front side. His 70 was just one shot off of his career best. It was the sophomore’s first under-par round of the year.
Nielsen, Clemson’s top player with a 71.50 stroke average this year, also shot a 70 thanks to five birdies and four bogeys. It was Nielsen’s fourth under-par round of the year. He is coming off back-to-back top 10 finishes.
Those were the only Clemson players to shoot under par in the first round. Andrew Swanson, who won medalist honors at this tournament a year ago, shot a one over par 72 in the first round. He had four birdies, but a double bogey on the par four fourth hole kept him from another under-par round.
Kian Rose had a 76 and Will Baker a 77 in the opening round.
Alberto Dominguez actually had the best score among Tigers with a 69, but he is playing the tournament as an individual. He is second among individuals playing in the tournament. It was his best round of the year by three shots, as he had three birdies and just one bogey. Callahan Keever also played as an individual and shot a two over par 73
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