Tigers lead through 36 holes at Maui Jim Intercollegiate

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – After an 11-under 268 middle round on Saturday, No. 13 Auburn men's golf holds a two-shot advantage over No. 5 Arizona State at the 2022 Maui Jim Intercollegiate at The Mirabel Club.
 
"Another respectable outing the course today," Tigers head coach Nick Clinard. "There were a few late mistakes that cost us, but we'll correct them and come back stronger tomorrow."
 
Through 36 holes, the Tigers sit at 526 (-34), yet another school record. Senior Alex Vogelsong carded a 66 (-4) on the day to lead the Auburn fivesome. The Palm City, Florida native is poised inside the top-20 at 5-under 135 heading into Sunday's finale.
 
"We're all playing great golf," Vogelsong said. "Our finish wasn't great today, but if you told us earlier in the week that we'd be in the lead through two rounds, we'd definitely take it. Tomorrow is a new opportunity and we're going to try and have the low round of the day."
 
Junior Ryan Eshleman turned in another below-par performance with a 69 (-1) in his middle stanza. Eshleman sits two shots out of the lead, held by Tennessee's Caleb Surratt, at 11-under.
 
Junior Carson Bacha and sophomore Evan Vo each turned in respectable 67s (-3) on the afternoon. Bacha's total came via a bogeyless round with a trio of birdies coming on holes 2, 9 and 19, while Vo's highlight came in the close of his front nine, making birdie on 16, 17 and 18.
 
The duo is positioned inside the top ten ahead of the tournament's final 18 holes. Bacha sits tied for seventh at 131 (-9) and Vo's 132 (-8) is good for a tie for ninth place.
 
All-American J.M. Butler chipped into his outing from yesterday, firing a 68 (-2) to get back to even at 140 overall.
 
Over on Desert Mountain, sophomores Brendan Valdes and Frankie Harris concluded the Maui Jim Individual with an impressive final 36 holes to finish the tournament in third and tied for ninth, respectively. The pair is one of only two same-school duos to finish top-10.
 
"I am extremely proud of Brendan and Frankie's effort these last two days," Clinard said. "They both proved that they are capable of being starters in our team lineup. They showed tremendous focus and a really strong mental game, and that's all I can ask for."
 
Building on his 67 (-5) from the previous round, Valdes issued a duplicate performance for his middle 18, playing bogeyless with five birdies to drop to 10-under ahead of round three. In his last round, Valdes went below par once more, using a 70 (-2) to wrap up at 12-under 204 for the event.
 
Following Friday's 71 (-1), Harris carded a 74 (+2) in round two before locking down the low third round of the evening with a 65 (-5). The strong finish was aided by nine total birdies, six of which came on the front nine. In his collegiate debut, Harris shot 210 (-6) to earn the ninth-place finish.

"It was a great experience playing in my first event," Harris said. "It was awesome to make the trip to Arizona with my teammates and represent Auburn. I learned a lot this week and am excited to keep competing in future tournaments."
  
Auburn will conclude play at the Maui Jim Intercollegiate tomorrow in hopes of capturing the 40th team title under coach Clinard. For the finale, the Tigers will play alongside Arizona State and Florida State, and will be led by Butler, who will tee off at 9 a.m. CT from the first hole.