University of Washington
Swoosh Invitational
Pan Returns, UW In Contention In Texas
October 07, 2014 | Men's Golf
Live Scoring
FORT WORTH, Texas – No. 22 Washington is off to a hot start at the Nike Golf Collegiate Invitational played at historic Colonial Country Club. The Dawgs are in second place after 36 holes, just two shots off the lead of Oregon.
Washington opened with a round of 3-over 283 and was tied for third just two shots back. The Dawgs then had the third-best round of the afternoon with a 7-over 287 to get to 10-over. The Dawgs trail only Oregon by two shots and in front of top teams Texas, Oklahoma and Stanford who round out the top five.
“The course is playing tough, but I think it sets up well for us,” said head coach Matt Thurmond. “It puts a premium on precision and accuracy. I wouldn't be surprised if we go out and play even better tomorrow. We played a lot of 36-hole days lately and that takes its toll.”
The Dawgs welcomed the return of Cheng-Tsung Pan who led the way on Monday. Pan had been away from the team winning a pair of gold medals at the Asian Games, but made an immediate impact upon his return. The Husky senior shot rounds of 4-under 66 and 2-under 68 to get to 6-under to trail only Thomas Lim of Oregon (-9) for the overall lead.
“Pan had a exceptional day,” said Thurmond. “There were only four guys under par and he was 6-under. It definitely gave our team a boost to know they had someone who can go shoot a low score. It takes the pressure off the rest of the team.”
Pan was not the only Husky to play well, however. Freshman Frank Garber and sophomore Corey Pereira both had solid days and are tied for 13th at 4-over. Garber opened with an even-par 70, before a 4-over 74 to finish at 4-over for the day. Pereira is also 4-over after an opening round of 3-over 73, followed by a 1-over 71. Pereira was 4-over after just five holes in the morning, but battled back and played even-par the rest of the way.
“Pan was great, but I want to concentrate how well we played as a team,” said Thurmond. “Frank was really solid, especially for a freshman and Corey really battled back after a rough start.”
The other two scorers for the Huskies were Jonathan Sanders and Kevin Kwon who each had one round kept. Sanders opened with a 75, but then responded in the afternoon with a 4-over 74 when scores were higher. He is tied for 33rd overall at 9-over for the tournament. Kwon shot his 74 in the morning, before a 78 in the afternoon. He is tied for 49th at 12-over overall.
The Dawgs will be back on the course Tuesday for the final round of the Nike Golf Collegiate Invitational. Washington will look to make up a couple strokes to earn their first tournament victory of the season, something that would be quite impressive against such an elite field.
Players Mentioned
