Utah maintains team lead going into final round
KAUA‘I, Hawai‘i – UNLV sophomore Zach Little, who hails from England and currently resides on “Hawai‘i’s ninth island” of Las Vegas, felt right at home on the island of Kaua‘i. His 7-under 63 broke the Ocean Course at Hōkūala par-70 course record by one shot. That record was previously held by then-U.S. Amateur champion and current Korn Ferry Tour member, Sam Bennett (Texas A&M; 2023), Tony Chen (California; 2023) and current DP World Tour member, Sebastian Amat (New Mexico; 2024). Little’s latest accomplishment excludes when then-Long Beach State’s Ian Gilligan (now at Florida) and Sam Bennett shot 61 while lift, clean and place was in effect during the 2023 Burns Intercollegiate.
UNLV’s Zach Little closely watches his tee shot over the ravine on the par-3 5th hole.
“I started very well with four birdies on my first eight holes,” recalled Zach Little. “However, I knew that a tough stretch lay ahead. I focused on keeping it straight and in play. I birdied my 18th hole (hole two) to finish with a birdie to cap off a really special day.”
Little continued, “I love how hole 14 overlooks the Pacific Ocean. You appreciate the natural beauty of Kaua‘i and don’t think about golf, and yet, it’s a strong golf hole.”
Former two-time NCAA Championship medalist and Hawai‘i men’s golf coach, Scott Simpson, praised Little’s triumph. “Credit to the Ocean Course at Hōkūala. They have worked tirelessly to create a welcoming atmosphere and wonderful playing conditions, which allows history-making moments to happen. It was a treat to watch Little capitalize on today’s firm, fast and fair layout.”
Utah’s Sergio Jimenez observes his tee shot on the 219-yard, par-3 5th hole.
Leading the individual competition by two strokes (-8) is Utah sophomore Sergio Jimenez. Three days ago, the Spaniard shot a 13-under 59 during a practice round at nearby Kukuiʻula. That score was notable because no one in college golf has every broken 60 in competition. Jimenez hopes to ride his red-hot momentum to the winner’s circle on Saturday.
“Today was not easy. The winds kept changing directions. At least they were calmer than yesterday, which allowed me to make solid pars on difficult holes,” remarked the No. 16-ranked Jimenez. “I feel confident with my swing. If I play within myself tomorrow, I will be alright.”
Santa Clara’s Emil Nielsen bombs his drive on the par-5 10th hole.
A three-way tie for second at six-under includes Emil Nielsen (Santa Clara), Gabriel Palacios (Utah) and Little. No. 14-ranked player, Illinois’ Jackson Buchanan, is tied for sixth at four-under.
Utah’s Gabriel Palacios carefully observes his approach shot into the 5th green.
In the team event, the No. 16 Utah Utes (-15) lead by six strokes over Long Beach State (-9). The Beach’s 15-under second-round performance elevated them five spots up to second.
Long Beach State’s Jack Cantlay tees off towards the ocean on hole 10.
UNLV (-8), Santa Clara (-7) and four-time Burns champion BYU (E) are within striking distance.
“We had a great start, then got mired down during a rough middle stretch,” noted Utah head golf coach, Garrett Clegg, who previously played on the Nationwide Tour. “We didn’t take advantage of some ‘gettable’ pins. However, we finished well, which is a testament to our team’s resiliency.”
Utah’s Sergio Jimenez (left) and head coach Garrett Clegg discuss Jimenez’s fourth hole birdie.
The final round begins on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. HST. Attendance is free for walking spectators.
All team and individual scores can be found here: SCOREBOARD
Team Leaderboard
| Place | School | To Par | Rd. 1 | Rd. 2 |
| 1 | Utah | -15 | -7 | -8 |
| 2 | Long Beach State | -9 | +6 | -15 |
| 3 | UNLV | -8 | E | -8 |
| 4 | Santa Clara | -7 | +3 | -10 |
| 5 | BYU | E | +1 | -1 |
| 6 | Texas A&M | +1 | +6 | -5 |
| 7 | Illinois | +2 | E | +2 |
| 8 | Fresno State | +3 | +11 | -8 |
| 9 | New Mexio | +5 | +2 | +3 |
| 10 | San Diego State | +7 | +14 | -7 |
| 11 | Grand Canyon | +8 | +14 | -6 |
| 12 | California | +10 | +17 | -7 |
| 13 | Missouri | +12 | +6 | +6 |
| 14 | Washington State | +16 | +14 | +2 |
| T15 | St. Mary’s (CA) | +20 | +9 | +11 |
| T15 | Hawai‘i | +20 | +19 | +1 |
| 17 | UTEP | +31 | +19 | +12 |
Top Individuals
| Place | Player | School | To Par | Rd. 1 | Rd. 2 |
| 1 | Sergio Jimenez | Utah | -8 | -3 | -5 |
| T2 | Emil Nielsen | Santa Clara | -6 | -3 | -3 |
| T2 | Gabriel Palacios | Utah | -6 | -2 | -4 |
| T2 | Zach Little | UNLV | -6 | +1 | -7 |
| 5 | Jack Cantlay | Long Beach State | -5 | -2 | -3 |
| T6 | Jackson Buchanan | Illinois | -4 | -4 | E |
| T6 | Wheaton Ennis | Texas A&M | -4 | -3 | -1 |
| T6 | Alejandro De Castro | Long Beach State | -4 | E | -4 |
| T6 | Joseph Lloyd | Fresno State | -4 | +1 | -5 |
| T6 | *Peter Jung | Utah | -4 | +2 | -6 |
| T11 | Brock Snyder | Missouri | -3 | -4 | +1 |
| T11 | Peter Kim | BYU | -3 | -1 | -2 |
| T11 | Wyatt Plattner | UNLV | -3 | -1 | -2 |
| T11 | Calder Overfelt | Santa Clara | -3 | E | -3 |
| T11 | *Ethan Wilson | Illinois | -3 | E | -3 |
*Competing as Individual
TOURNAMENT FACTS
Dates: Feb. 13–15, 2025
Venue: Ocean Course at Hōkūala
Location: Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i
Yardage (Par): 7,156 (70)
Format: 54 holes; 18 holes each day; 5-count-4
Tee Times: 9:00 a.m. HST shotgun each day
Host: Hawai‘i
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About Ocean Course at Hōkūala
Home to the longest continuous stretch of oceanfront holes in the state of Hawai‘i, the Ocean Course was named one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Golf Courses” by MSN Travel. The 18-hole golf course is part of Timbers Kaua‘i Ocean Club & Residences, a private residential club which opened in 2018 on the island’s southeast coast. Timbers Kaua‘i sits on a 450-acre natural amphitheater and offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, Kalapaki Bay and Hā‘upu Mountain Range. Website | Facebook | Instagram
About Timbers Kaua’i at Hōkūala
Located in the 450-acre Hōkūala resort community along the Pacific, Kaua‘i’s premier luxury resort and residence club combines tranquil Hawaiian living with Timbers Resorts’ signature luxury amenities and a personalized full-service concierge team. Timbers Kaua‘i boasts exceptional offerings for those visiting or looking to make paradise their home through luxury vacation rentals, one-of-a-kind deeded fractional and whole ownership real estate opportunities.
Amenities include the 18-hole award-winning Ocean Course at Hōkūala – Kaua‘i’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, where a ten-year Founding Membership is included with the purchase of a one-sixth ownership at Timbers Kaua‘i; The Farm at Hōkūala, a 16.5-acre organic farm and orchard; Hualani’s oceanfront dining with “farm-to-fork” daily offerings; a two-tiered infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean, a family pool and hot tub; spa services and wellness programs; 13 miles of accessible, lush trails and easy access to Kalapaki Beach and Lihue Airport (LIH).
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 900-plus locations in 45-plus states and 35-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, TroonMagazine.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.
