Sophomore Connor Williams led the way with a 4-under 68 that included the only eagle on the tenth hole, while Josele Ballester is tied for 16th at 2-under 70.
ASU will turn around and tee early Saturday (6:52 a.m.) at the at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa (North Course). Sun Devil ninth-year head coach Matt Thurmond – a 2024 National Golf Coaches Hall of Fame inductee — leads the Sun Devils, who under 2008 National Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee and Pac-12 Coach of the Century Randy Lein won the 1996 team title and won the 1990 title under 2002 ASU Hall of Fame and 2009 NGCA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Loy.
Head Coach Matt Thurmond Quotes
On the team’s first NCAA Championship round at Omni La Costa
“I thought we played great. Connor (Williams) was exceptional. He got hot early by making a couple birdies and got it to five-under at one point and finished four under. The front nine typically plays a little easier here with the back nine being the easier holes. We did make our share of bogeys on the back nine, but I thought we played the back nine really well. Especially after starting off a little bit slow. All in all, I am really excited about the day. It is a great start. We are right where we need to be.”
Sophomore Connor Williams (-4/68; tied for fifth) Quotes
On playing a course he is familiar with
“It was awesome. I have played a lot of rounds here as a kid at La Costa through Junior golf tournaments in San Diego. They redesigned the course a little while ago and it is definitely different, but has the same vibe. I still felt really comfortable out there from the first tee and had a nice flow to my round today.”
On his eagle on 10 (only golfer to eagle No. 10)
“The wind was a little in off the right. I hit a really good drive to kind of keep it right-center up against the wind. I hit a three-wood to about 16 feet – a really good shot that landed just short – then I was able to roll in the putt. That was some good momentum.”
On how he feels about his game right now
“I am really happy with my game right now. The last couple of events have been good. I have played in some really good events back home and some strong qualifying rounds that has given me a lot of confidence heading into these events. Knowing that I can compete with the…
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