James Song (Cal Athletics)

The Golden Bear kicked things off fittingly, making three consecutive birdies on his fourth through sixth holes of the day (Nos. 13-15). The turkey set the tone for the rest of his bogey-free round of 5-under, 66. Knocking home two more birdies on his way back to the clubhouse, Song’s 66 bested his career-low of 67, which he has marked four times through two seasons at Cal.

Not having a fall season as the Golden Bears are a part of the Pac-12, Song is looking to piece together a bit of momentum as the Pac-12 is all systems go once the spring semester is among us.

Trailing Song by two is High Point University redshirt freshman Christian Castillo. The Texas native was not phased a bit by the noticeable winds that plagued golfers on Monday. Beginning his tournament with a turkey of his own, Castillo traded three bogeys for six birdies to put himself in prime position with 36 holes remaining.

High school senior and South Carolina commit Gavin Aurilia trails Song by three shots. The future Gamecock had an eagle on the par-4 eighth immediately negated on No. 9 as he picked up a double-bogey to make the turn at two-under, 33. The score would hold for the rest of the day as the Phoenix native battled to stay even on the back nine.

Aurillia is tied alongside Canadian, Max Sekulic at 2-under, 69. 11 players, led by 2019 Sizzler Amateur Champion Trevor Lampson, are tied at 1-under 70.

Play resumes at 8:00 am local time with 36 holes separating the Gobbler from the 2020 champion.