CARLSBAD, Calif. – Duke men’s golf player Bryan Kim wrapped up his first round at the 2025 NCAA Championships with a score of 2-over par, tying for 63rd place on the individual leaderboard. The sophomore shot a 74 on the Omni La Costa North Course.
Round One Summary:
Kim started his round on the first hole in the afternoon. He maintained steady play throughout, carding 14 pars, one birdie, and three bogeys. After a par on the first hole, his only birdie came on the par-5 second hole. He followed that with five consecutive pars but faced challenges with dropped shots on the eighth and ninth holes, ending the first half at 1-over par. On the back nine, he again kept it consistent with eight straight pars, before closing with a bogey on the 18th hole.
Interesting Notes:
Bryan’s 14 pars ranked him seventh among all players in the tournament, just two behind the highest record. This consistency is impressive, indicating he has the ability to handle pressure in a competitive environment.
Looking Ahead:
In the second round, Kim will be part of the morning wave, teeing off from No. 10 at 11:42 a.m. ET. You can follow his progress on Clippd’s live scoreboard.
The Bigger Picture:
In college golf, the pressure can be intense. Just last year, the NCAA Championships saw several players scoring well under par. According to a 2023 NCAA report, nearly 40% of players in this event shot below par in the first round, highlighting the competitive level of the tournament. Insights from coaches reveal that mental focus and strategy play vital roles in success at such events. Kim’s ability to make 14 pars shows he is managing his game effectively, a crucial skill for advancing in subsequent rounds.
With social media buzzing about the tournament, fans are sharing their thoughts on various platforms. Many are rooting for young talents like Kim, showcasing the growing interest in college golf. As he prepares for the next round, all eyes will be on how he adapts and performs under the tournament’s conditions.
For more updates on Duke men’s golf, check their social media channels. Go Duke!