Although the UCLA men’s golf team improved its play Wednesday after a disappointing performance in Tuesday’s opening round at the NCAA Championship, they remained in a tie for 12th on the leader board.
Wednesday, the Bruins carded a much improved 286 (-2) compared to Tuesday’s 294 (+6). Sophomore Gregor Main led the charge Wednesday by shooting a 69 (-3) with four birdies on the back nine to finish at four under par, five strokes behind the leader. Freshman Pontus Widegren also finished Wednesday’s round at four under par for the tournament after a 71 (-1) on Wednesday. Main and Widegren have carried the Bruins thus far as their next closest teammate is Alex Shi Yup Kim at five over par in a tie for 91st place.
The Bruins will need to finish in the top eight at the conclusion of today’s final round to make the cut and qualify for the match play portion of the tournament that will take place Friday through Sunday.
Several other top tier teams are in danger of not making the cut along with the Bruins. No. 1 Oregon, No. 2 Stanford, No. 3 Texas A&M, No. 7 Texas and No. 8 USC would all miss the cut if the tournament ended Wednesday night.
Play was suspended after a two-hour rain delay Wednesday and will be completed today before the third round begins.
Compiled by Sam Strong, Bruin Sports reporter.