Cole Nygren
(Cal Poly Athletics Photo)

Smith, a junior, and Nygren, a senior, took advantage of an early morning tee time, posting a stellar 8-under 64 Friday at blustery Spyglass Hill to take the first round lead at this weekend’s annual NCGA Four-Ball Championship.The 64 was only two shots off the championship 18-hole record score of 62, held by three teams including defending champions Bobby Bucey and Brett Viboch.

Despite facing breezy and chilly conditions themselves, the duo was flawless, carding six birdies and an eagle (on the par-5 14th) with zero bogeys. Working as a unit, Smith had four birdies, while Nygren added two birdies and the eagle.

Also jumping out early was the tandem of San Francisco residents John Jennison IV and Amory Davis. The pair are only two shots behind the leaders after a solid 66 that featured eight birdies and two bogeys. Jennison and Davis also split duties, with each posting four birdies.

Alone in third place at 68 is the tandem of former Vista De Lago High (El Dorado Hills) teammates Kevin Huff and Austin Fox. Fox now plays at the University of Pacific, while Huff, still a high school senior, will begin playing for Fresno State this fall.

Bucey and Viboch, who are looking to join the list of teams who’ve gone back-to-back, opened with a 71.

Following Saturday’s second round, a cut will be made with the low 40 (and ties) advancing to Sunday’s final round.

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