Going Low

Coby Welch of Highlands Ranch, who won an NCAA Division I tournament title in Colorado last year as a University of Northern Colorado freshman, has put himself in contention for another in-state championship to start his sophomore season.

Welch (pictured) shot a 9-under-par 63 despite a bogey 6 on his final hole on Saturday to vault into second place after two rounds of the season-opening Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational at the Air Force Academy’s Eisenhower Golf Club.

The former CGA Junior Player of the Year played his first 10 holes in 8 under par — making six straight birdies in mid-round — and stands at 11-under 133 for two rounds. Going into Sunday’s final round, he trails only Wyoming’s John Murdock, who has carded rounds of 67-65 –132.

Last September, Welch earned his first individual college victory in the Mark Simpson Colorado Invitational at Colorado National Golf Club in Erie.

Murdock’s Wyoming teammate Drew McCullough holds third place at 136.

With Murdock and McCullough leading the way, Wyoming shot an 18-under-par 270 on Saturday to grab a three-stroke lead in the team competition. Wyoming stands at 22-under 554 overall.

First-round leader Colorado State is in second place at 557, while the University of Colorado (565) is third and UNC fourth (568). Host Air Force is ninth at 580.

The Falcon Invite will conclude on Sunday.

For scores, CLICK HERE.