PROVO, Utah— University of Hawaii golfer
Matt Kodama won a three-way playoff with a birdie in sudden death to capture the Ping Golf Cougar Classic hosted by Brigham Young University. The senior picked up the second individual title of his career and the first for a Warrior since Kodama won the 2001 UH/Turtle Bay Intercollegiate.
Kodama entered the day in second place, one stroke behind UTEP’s Chris Baryla. Baryla shot an even-par 72 and ended up in fifth pace, while Kodama shot a three-under 69 in the final to move into the lead. Kodama faltered down the stretch by bogeying two of his final three holes opening the door for Martin Laird, who shot an eight-under 64 , and BYU’s Ronn Harvey, who shot a six-under 66. The trio finished at 10-under 206, forcing a three-way playoff. Kodama, however, was not be denied as he birdied the par-four 10th hole to win the championship on the first playoff hole.
Overall it was a stellar day for the Warriors, who jumped up three spots to finish the tournament in eighth place with a total of 871. Besides Kodama, two other players shot under-par in the final round. Both Kellen Floyd-Asao and Cody Wolfenbarger shot one-under 71 to help UH post a final round 284. Also participating for the Warriors were senior James Beston (233, +17) and junior Manarii Gauthier (231, +15).
Behind Laird’s effort, Colorado State stormed to the team title with a total of 845, twelve strokes better than second place UTEP.
Hawai‘i concludes its season at the WAC Championships, May 3-5, hosted by Fresno State.
Team- Score(Place)
Hawaii 296-291-284—871 (8th)
Individual-Score(Place)
Matt Kodama 70-67-69—206 (1st)
Kellen-Floyd Asao 73-73-71—217 (t26th)
Cody Wolfenbarger 77-73-71—221 (t43rd)
Manarii Gauthier 78-80-73—231 (71st)
James Beston 76-78-79—233 (73rd)
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