Rebels’ course knowledge helps them take over lead

UNLV’s home-course advantage figured to come into play at some point. Windy weather swung the door open Saturday at Southern Highlands Golf Club.

With gusts reaching 40 mph and playing havoc with club selection and shot making, the Rebels played conservatively and were rewarded with the lead after two rounds of the Southern Highlands Collegiate Masters.

At 17-over-par 593, UNLV is seven shots ahead of UCLA and nine ahead of Texas A&M entering today’s final round.

Being familiar with the course played into the Rebels’ hands in the blustery conditions.

“It was about knowing where to miss it,” said senior Brett Kanda, who shot 1-over 73. “Our knowledge of the course definitely helped.”

Sophomore Colby Smith, who also shot a 73, said: “Our knowing where to put the ball in the right spots and where to avoid putting it was the key. It was really bad out there at times, and you had to play smart.”

UNLV junior Jeremiah Wooding also had a good day, shooting 2-over 74, but the Rebels’ two best players — Derek Ernst and Eddie Olson — struggled to 5-over 77s. The team effort was plenty good enough, though.

“The entire team played so hard,” coach Dwaine Knight said. “We tried not to force it and take what the course gave us.”

Club selection was a guessing game most of the round. On some shots, Kanda said, there was a three-club difference from Friday’s first round.

“It played like a totally different golf course,” he said.

Smith didn’t seem to mind. His round was five shots better than his 6-over 78 on Friday.

“It gave me motivation,” he said. “I learned from a couple of silly mistakes. Instead of shooting at pins, I managed my game and kept it in the fairway and hit greens. I played smarter and more patient.”

Last year the Rebels trailed Oklahoma State by 12 shots entering the final day and won by a stroke. Today they will have to protect a lead to win their third straight Southern Highlands title.

“I think we’d rather be in the lead,” Kanda said. “It’s hard when you’re having to come from behind.”

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0353.