LA QUINTA, Calif. – Freshman Viggo Talasmäki and redshirt-junior Rhett South delivered standout performances Monday, powering Little Rock into contention after the opening round of The Prestige at PGA West.
Talasmäki fired a three-under-par 68 and is tied for second place individually, while South carded a two-under-par 69to sit in a tie for sixth. Behind their strong play, the Trojans are tied for fourth in the team standings at even par, firmly in the hunt among one of the nation's strongest tournament fields. Oregon leads the tournament at nine-under.
"It was a good battle out there today by the guys," Little Rock head coach Austin Eoff said. "Rhett and Viggo provided big rounds for the team. Both of them had very impressive ball-striking rounds and played steady all day."
Talasmäki continued his impressive freshman campaign with a composed and confident round, positioning himself among the tournament's early leaders. South's veteran presence also proved crucial, as he delivered a clean round that helped stabilize the Trojans against elite national competition.
Ed Featherstone contributed a two-over-par 73 and is tied for 42nd, while Elliott Simonsen finished the day at three-over-par 74, placing him in a tie for 56th.
Eoff credited his team's discipline and ability to navigate one of the course's most challenging stretches early in the round.
"The first seven holes on this golf course are a difficult test, and we did a very good job of stringing together a number of pars on those holes and limiting too much trouble," Eoff said.
With momentum on their side, the Trojans will look to build on their strong start in Tuesday's second round.
"We made a few mistakes and there were some tough breaks for other guys, but on to tomorrow," Eoff said. "We look to put together another solid round as a team. We will tee off on Hole 10 and start the day on three of the more gettable holes on the course, so we will need to be ready to attack at the start."
