HOCKLEY, Texas – The No. 24 University of Utah Men’s Golf team completed the first two sessions of Big 12 Match Play at the Houston Oaks Country Club on Monday, sitting in second place of Group C after tying West Virginia and outshooting Houston.
Match play is unlike traditional stroke play that Utah has played all season long. Five golfers from each team compete head-to-head with opponents for the entirety of the course. Both golfers play hole-to-hole and each golfer who posts a lower score on each hole wins the hole. As the round plays on, a certain golfer can lead by more holes than those remaining on the course and earn a victory without playing all 18 holes (3&2, 4&3, 5&4, etc.). In a tighter matchup, a golfer can win by just one stroke that requires play on the final hole (1UP). Whichever team totals the most individual wins in its specific matchup secures a win for the match and earns three points for a victory.
“Fun day for all of us today,” said head coach Garrett Clegg. “Match play is a lot different, and the boys played really well. We performed nicely against Houston and had a tougher go against West Virginia, but the team did a great job of finishing strong to save a tie in the match. We’re looking forward to tomorrow!”
Match 1 – #14 Seed West Virginia
The #3 seed Utes started the day going head-to-head with West Virginia and finished in a 2-2-1 tie to each grab a point in Pool C. Sergio Jimenez and Gabriel Palacios were responsible for notching Utah’s two points in the match. Jimenez jumped out to a quick advantage against Ryan Leach, leading by four holes across the first ten holes before wrapping up 5&3. Palacios began his day with a win on the first hole against Max Green and kept his momentum throughout the rest of the course. After the first nine holes, Palacios held a four-hole lead and stretched it to six holes after taking holes No. 2 and 3, winning 6&5. Brandon Robison recorded a tie with Kaleb Wilson as Braxton Watts and Davis Johnson both fell.
Tie 2-2-1
S. Jimenez def. R. Leach – 5&3
P. Grieve def. D. Johnson– 1UP
B. Robison tied K. Wilson
G. Palacios def. M. Green – 6&5
T. Duncan def. B. Watts – 3&2
Match 2 – #11 Seed Houston
Utah put together a strong second match to grab their first win of the tournament, topping the Cougars 4-1-0. Robison, Palacios,…
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