Luke Potter has Career Day, Sun Devils sit Second at Southwestern Invitational

Luke Potter carded a career-best 7-under 65 for outright possession of second place and Michael Mjaaseth is tied for third after a 5-under 67 on day one of the 2023 Southwestern Invitational. 

 

Arizona State sits second overall in the 12-team field at 13-under 275 (65-67-71-72=275/-13).

 

The true-freshmen Potter and Mjaaseth were followed by Gabe Salvanera, who recorded six birdies to just two bogeys en-route to a 1-under 71. Preston Summerhays and Ryggs Johnston each rounded out scorers for the Sun Devils, both even through the first 18 holes.

Lowest first round vs. par at Southwestern Invite ?

Fourth team to shoot at least 13-under par at Southwestern Invite ?

Luke Potter was chugging along today #ForksUp /// ?????? pic.twitter.com/OYzrcnKLbw

— Sun Devil Men’s Golf (@sundevilmgolf) January 30, 2023

When ASU finished, it marked just the fourth time a team had shot at least 13-under par in the first round of the Southwestern Invitational since 1993. Arizona State also paced the field with 27 birdies as a team.

 

“The first day of the season is tough,” said Head Coach Matt Thurmond. “There’s so much anticipation and we haven’t felt the competitive juices for a long time, so I’m happy with the start. I’m really thrilled for our two freshmen. They were exceptional today.”

Potter secured seven birdies and an eagle on the par-5 474-yard 14^th. He paced the field shooting 5-under par on the 10 par 4s. The freshman caught fire late, recording three birdies and an eagle within the final five holes.

How about Luke Potter ?? as the opening shot on @GolfChannel?!

Luke is in the clubhouse at 7-under par and the outright leader. pic.twitter.com/2Jimk4yrHA

— Sun Devil Men’s Golf (@sundevilmgolf) January 30, 2023

“Luke played well and looked solid all day,” said Associate Head Coach Thomas Sutton. “He got off to a good start and held it through the tough holes. The final five were there for the taking and he took advantage.”

 

Mjasseth also had seven birdies – the duo tying for the second most on the day – and an eagle of his own on the par-5 526-yard 12^th. He tied for the tournament lead on the four par-5s, firing 5-under on those holes.

Our ice man handles the cold well

Michael Mjaaseth ?? ends his round at 5-under 67 and is into the clubhouse in second overall. #ForksUp /// ?????? pic.twitter.com/TGbVGdgNgB

— Sun Devil Men’s Golf (@sundevilmgolf) January 30, 2023

Josele Ballester fired a 1-under 71 and sits one stroke off the lead in the individual bracket.

The Sun Devils entered the locker room with a lead but will start tomorrow in second overall after Texas shot the best Southwestern Invitational round in the Golfstat era at 18-under 270.

 

Pairings and tee times for Tuesday will be announced late Monday night. Coverage will begin on the Golf Channel at 1:30 MST and live stats will be provided on Golfstat.com