LĪHU'E, Kaua'i – University of Hawai'i senior James Whitworth carded a season-low 3-under 67 in windy conditions in the opening round of the 49^th John A. Burns Intercollegiate Thursday at the Ocean Course at Hokuala.
 
The Carlsbad, Calif., native posted five birdies in his round, including three straight that got him to 4-under after nine holes. A birdie attempt on his 18^th hole – the  par-4 11^th – lipped out which would have given him a share of the lead with Utah's Sergio Jimenez. The senior is tied with Texas A&M's Aaron Pounds, UTEP's Braden Smith, and Loyola Marymount's Trevor Algya for second place.
 
Whitworth was the only Rainbow Warrior to finish in red numbers on a blistery day that saw only 20 golfers – among the 111-man field – post a score under par. In addition, only three teams among the 19-team field finished under par with LMU leading the way at 3-under 276.
 
The Lions hold a one-stroke lead over three-time Burns champion 32^nd-ranked Texas A&M (277). Long Beach State (278) is third while four teams are tied for fourth at 281. Host Hawai'i sits in 12^th place at 4-over 284 and still in contention for its first-ever Burns title.
 
Sophomore Nathan Szpakowicz battled back to even par three times in his round until a bogey on his last hole put him at 1-over 71 and a tie for 32^nd place. Junior Dane Watanabe opened with three bogeys in his first four holes before rallying with three birdies over a seven-hole stretch. He finished 2-over and is tied for 46^th place.  
 
Also competing for the Rainbow Warriors are Cameron Combado (74, t-69^th) and Alec Hilgers (77, t-96^th). Two others are competing as individuals – Chris Salem (78, t-101^st) and Quinn Murray (81, 110^th).
 
The tournament continues on Friday with Round 2. Shotgun start is 9:00 a.m. HT.
 
12. Hawai'i – 284 (+4)
T-2. James Whitworth – 67 (-3)
T-32. Nathan Szpakowicz – 71 (+1)
T-46. Dane Watanabe – 72 (+2)
T-69. Cameron Combado – 74 (+4)
T-96. Alec Hilgers – 77 (+7)