On Monday, UC Santa Barbara senior Hunter Robinson was the exception to the rule as he led the Gauchos to a 4-shot lead after two rounds of the OGIO-UCSB Intercollegiate at Sandpiper Golf Course.
Robinson was the only player in the field of 55 to shoot under par as he carded a 1-under 143 to claim the lead, helping UCSB to a four-shot lead over UC Riverside heading into the final round on Tuesday. Robinson was the only non-freshman scorer for the Gauchos.
“Hunter had an outstanding day,” said Gauchos’ head coach Steve Lass. “He was really consistent and set a great example for our freshmen.”
Robinson shot a 1-under par 71 in the first round and followed up with an even-par 72 in round two. He was one of six players on the first day of the tournament to record a 2-under par eagle, doing so on the 15th hole in his second round.
While Robinson’s performance put him at the top of the leader board, three other Gauchos finished among the top-20. Freshmen Willy Moffly and Zach Smith each shot 1-over par 145 and are tied for third entering the final round. Another freshman, Brandon Bauman, is tied for 16th at 5-over par 149. Robinson was the sole upperclassman.
Santa Barbara was forced to play with just four players, counting all of them, when sophomore Will Strauss had to withdraw with back issues.
UCSB will enter the final round of the tournament four shots ahead of fellow Big West opponent UC Riverside. The Highlanders were led through the first two rounds by Sam Gillis who bounced back from a 3-over par first round with a 3-under par second round en route to an even-par 144 and second-place. Anthony Bonales was the equal of Moffly and Zach Smith as he levied a 1-over par 145.
Boise State’s Kyle Mitsunaga is the only non-UCSB, UCR player among the top six. He also logged a 1-over par to tie for third through the first two rounds.
The final round of the OGIO-UC Santa Barbara Intercollegiate will be played on Tuesday, April 14. Groups of four will tee-off beginning at 7:00 am.
