TEMPE, Ariz. -- The 17th-ranked Texas A&M men's golf team is in fifth place after opening with a 3-over 287 on Friday in the first round of the Arizona State Thunderbird Invitational at the Karsten Golf Course.

The Aggies were 6 over through 11 holes but played the last seven in 3 under to climb back into contention. Arizona State and Arizona State "B" are tied for first at 5-under 279 while Colorado State is third at 280.

A&M's Bobby Gates is tied for eighth after a 2-under 69. Matt Van Zandt is tied for 11th at 70. The Aggies' Trey Todd and Nacho Elvira are tied for 41st at 74, and Bronson Burgoon is tied for 85th after shooting an 81.