February 21, 2008
The Texas A&M men's golf team set a school record with a 14-under-par 274 on Thursday to move into third place at the John A. Burns Intercollegiate at the Leilehua Golf Course.
With a 36-hole total of 21-under (555), the Aggies trail leader Auburn (551) by four strokes going into Friday's final round. UNLV is in second in the 21-team tournament at 554.
A&M's round broke the previous school record of 13-under (275) set at 2003 Barona Collegiate Cup and the 2006 Burns Intercollegiate. The Aggies also tied the school record for 36 holes set at this event two years ago.
A&M was led by a trio of 68s by Bobby Gates, Bronson Burgoon and Matt Van Zandt. Burgoon and Van Zandt are tied for 10th at 138, while Gates is tied for 14th at 139. A&M's Andrea Pavan carded a bogey-free 70 and Martin Piller had an even-par 72. Pavan (141) is tied for 30th and Piller (142) is tied for 41st.
California's Stephen Hale (67-67=134) and San Diego State's Johan Carlsson (66-68=134) share the individual lead at 10-under.
"Obviously, we played great golf today," A&M Coach J.T. Higgins said. "The putts weren't falling for us early in the round but we kept battling and closed really strong on the last three or four holes. Our guys really feel like their best golf is yet to come. It was a very solid, workmanlike effort by our team."