Buffaloes Golf Team Strong in NCAA Regional Opener
The Colorado men’s golf team kicked off the 2026 NCAA Bryan Regional with a solid performance, finishing the first round tied for seventh place at Traditions Club. With a team score of 287 (1-under-par), they are just five strokes behind Tennessee, who holds the fifth spot for advancing to the NCAA Championship.
In this regional format, five golfers compete each round, and the top four scores count toward the team total. Head coach Roy Edwards praised his team for maintaining focus despite a rocky start. He noted, “We just need to concentrate on our game, and we will be good.”
Brandon Knight and Ty Holbrook each shot rounds of 71, putting them in a tie for 20th place individually. Knight’s round included five birdies, while Holbrook showed consistency with three birdies. Although Knight faced a setback with a triple-bogey on the ninth hole, he quickly recovered to continue his strong play.
Parker Paxton, who shot an even-par 72, is looking to regain the form he displayed earlier in the season, where he averaged an impressive 68.80 over 15 rounds. Senior Hunter Swanson contributed with a 73, highlighted by four birdies, while Jackson Rivera struggled with an 83.
The Buffaloes recorded a total of 16 birdies as a team and played well on the back nine, keeping their hopes alive for the second round.
Looking at the competition, Texas A&M is leading at 12-under par, followed by North Carolina at 10-under. There’s a clear gap between the top teams and Colorado, but they are still within striking distance as they head into the next round.
In a strategic move, Colorado plans to adjust its lineup for the second round, bringing Tyler Long in to replace Rivera. The NCAA also announced a schedule change due to expected weather, pushing teams to complete 36 holes on Tuesday.
Recent statistics show that teams often perform better under pressure. According to a survey by the NCAA, strong performances in early rounds can boost confidence and lead to improved results in subsequent rounds.
As the Buffaloes prepare for the next challenge, their focus will be on teamwork and maintaining composure. With determination and the right mindset, they still have a chance to secure a spot in the NCAA Championship.
