Perico in 1st at Columbus Regional

Julian Perico of Arkansas hits Friday, May 24, 2019, onto the 16th green during the first day of play in the Men's NCAA Golf Championships at Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville.( Andy Shupe)

Julian Perico of Arkansas hits Friday, May 24, 2019, onto the 16th green during the first day of play in the Men's NCAA Golf Championships at Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville.Julian Perico caught fire the final 12 holes to surge into first place at the NCAA Columbus (Ohio) Regional, but the rest of his No. 14 University of Arkansas teammates could not keep pace on Monday.

Perico’s 68 on the par 71 Scarlet Course at the Ohio State University Golf Club was one better than the trio of Oklahoma State’s…