Finau considers becoming a Cougar

MIDWAY — BYU golf coach Bruce Brockbank is vacationing with his family in Oregon, but he's probably heard by now (and is doing backflips) about what Tony Finau said shortly after winning the State Amateur.

After accepting the large traveling trophy, Finau was asked to say a few words and surprised some folks when he said, "I hope I'll be a Cougar," while talking about his vanquished opponent Daniel Summerhays, who will be a junior at BYU next year.

A day earlier, Finau, who will be a senior at West High, had said he was still considering four schools, including USC, UCLA and Washington. Later, in his post-match interview, Finau retreated slightly from his earlier comments.

"I haven't committed," he said. "I don't know what to say. But I think BYU would be at the top of my list."

Summerhays would welcome Finau with open arms, and with two years of eligibility left, he would get to play one with Finau in 2007-08 if Finau ends up at BYU.

"I know coach (Brockbank) really wants him and I want him too," Summerhays said. "If I could play with him a year, it would be awesome."

WEATHER CONCERNS: After a week of perfect weather at Soldier Hollow, a cloudburst suddenly hit the course in the early afternoon as the players were teeing off at No. 12.

The rain was steady for about 45 minutes, forcing both players to hit their shots and take cover under umbrellas. The rain finally stopped as the golfers were teeing off on what turned out to be the last hole of the match, No. 16.

Tournament officials never seriously considered stopping play but would have if lightning had been present. Both players were glad that play continued, even if they got a little wet.

"I didn't want them to stop it," Finau said. "But my hand slipped on a couple of shots."

"I was hoping we could keep going, because I usually play great in the wind and the rain," Summerhays said. "I just couldn't pull it off."

ON COURSE: Opened just two years ago, it has taken a while for local golfers to discover Soldier Hollow.

Last year, Wasatch Mountain, a 35-year-old course three miles away, did almost double the business of Soldier Hollow. But after showing off the course to the state's top amateurs and receiving a good share of publicity, Soldier Hollow should get more play.

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