LAS VEGAS – The Stanford men’s golf team went from fourth to second in the Southern Highlands Collegiate Masters standings after collecting a 9-over 297 on Saturday. At 18-over through two rounds, Stanford trails only host UNLV (+16) while holding a four-shot lead over both UCLA and Alabama.
The Cardinal matched Arizona State with a Saturday-best 9-over, its second such score in as many rounds at Southern Highlands Golf Club. Sunday’s action for Stanford will begin at 9:30 a.m. (PT).
“We fought hard through the front nine, but 17 and 18 are some tough closing holes and gave us trouble,” said Conrad Ray, Stanford’s Knowles Family Director of Men’s Golf. “Our guys are hungry to finish this off tomorrow.”
Defending champion Patrick Rodgers entered the day tied for 14th but streaked through with a 3-under 69. Rodgers, who sits alone in first place among individuals at 1-under, was 4-under on the front half and had an up and down back nine with four bogeys and three birdies.
Rodgers will be grouped Sunday with UCLA’s Jonathan Garrick, who is second overall at 1-over.
Cameron Wilson is tied for fourth at 3-over after a round of 75 at the par-72 course. Wilson played the front nine and even and closed with a double bogey and bogey on the final two holes. On the par-4 fifth, Wilson’s drive on the 359-yarder sailed the water and came to rest 10 feet past the green.
Viraat Badhwar followed his 74 on Friday with a 75 and is tied for 16th at 5-over. David Boote and Jim Liu both carded a 78, and each are within the top 50.