UCI’s Edick cards huge first round

UC Irvine golfer Brian Edick, who is slated to be a senior next year for the Anteaters, recorded eight birdies and carded a six-under-par 66 in the first round of the 95th California Amateur Championship at Poppy Hills Golf Course on Monday.

Edick’s fast start gave him a three-stroke lead after 18 holes. He followed that by shooting a 74 during Tuesday’s second round and is currently in second place overall with a 36-hole total of four-under-par 140.

Edick advanced to the third stroke-play round, which is slated to take place at Pebble Beach Golf Links today. The championship ends with the 36-hole final match Saturday, also at Pebble Beach.

The 21-year-old Edick ? he turns 22 on July 1 ? was the runner-up in last year’s Southern California Golf Association Amateur Championship.

He had two birdies and two bogies in his first eight holes on Monday, before making birdies on six of his last 10 holes. Edick made some key putts on the back nine to card Monday’s best score. Edick made a six-foot putt on hole No. 18 for his final birdie.