LIHUE, Hawaii – Santa Clara freshman golfer Emil Nielsen had an outstanding start to his time in the Hawaiian Islands, turning in a 3-under 67 in the opening round of the John Burns Intercollegiate to finish the day in a tie for third and just one stroke behind the co-leaders for the individual lead. The Broncos had a solid day as a team as well, finishing in the top half of the 16-team field with a 3-over 283.

ROUND HIGHLIGHTS:

• Nielsen carded six birdies for the day and was perfect on the front nine. He finished the day in a four-way tie for third and right behind Missouri’s Brock Snyder and Illinois’ Jackson Buchanan (66) for the lead. 
• Calder Overfelt also finds himself inside the top 15 after 18 holes of work, finishing at even-par 72.
• Fellow freshman Matt Robles, coming off his second top-five finish of the season, is also in contention for another top-20 finish after carding a 2-over 72 to put himself in a crowded 10-way tie for 37th. 
• J.P. Odland (74) and Alvaro Muller (77) are tied for 55th and 82nd, respectively. 
• Utah holds a seven-stroke advantage and was the lone team to shoot under par on the opening day. The Utes lead the field at 7-under 273 with UNLV and Illinois tied for second at 280, and followed closely by BYU (281), New Mexico (282) and the Broncos. 

SANTA CLARA INDIVIDUALS:

TEAM STANDINGS:

NEXT UP:
The Broncos will look to have another good showing in Friday’s second round.