PROVO, Utah— University of Hawaii golfer Matt Kodama is in position for his first individual title of the year following the first two rounds of the Ping Golf Cougar Classic hosted by Brigham Young University. The senior swinger is one shot off the pace after shooting a seven-under 137 through the first 36 holes of the tournament.

Kodama shot a two-under 70 in the first round and followed that with a sizzling five-under 67 in round two. The native of Las Vegas, Nev., trails UTEP’s Chris Baryla of UTEP, who is at eight-under-par.

Despite Kodama’s efforts, the rest of the team struggled at the 7,001-yard Riverside Country Club. UH stands in 11th place with a total of 587. Participating for the Warriors are junior Kellen-Floyd Asao (146, +2), freshman Cody Wolfenbarger (150, +6), senior James Beston (154, +10) and junior Manarii Gauthier (158, +14).

Utah holds the tournament lead at 568, followed by host BYU in second at 571. is the individual leader with an eight-under-par 136. The Ping Cougar Classic concludes tomorrow with the final 18 holes of play.

Team-Score (Place)
Hawaii 296-291—587 (11th)

Individual-Score(Place)
Matt Kodama 70-67—136 (2nd)
Kellen-Floyd Asao 73-73—146 (t32nd)
Cody Wolfenbarger 77-73—150 (t57th)
James Beston 76-78—154 (T69th)
Manarii Gauthier 78-80—158 (76th)

-UH-