[Men's Golf] Hawks Kick Off The Season In Arizona

SURPRISE, Ariz. – The San Diego Christian College men's golf team kicked off the 2021-22 season competing in the OUAZ Fall Invite at the Nicklaus Design, Sterling Grove Golf and Country Club. The new-look Hawks battled to an 11th place team finish, edging out GSAC opponents Vanguard and William Jessup as well as Park University-AZ.

Freshman newcomer, Philip Loof paced the Hawks, improving each of his three rounds shooting scores of 82, 76, and 74 (232) for a 28th place finish in 72 man field. Freshman, Troy Schultz was right on his heels in a two-way tie for 30th, scoring 78, 79, and 77 (234).

Sophomore veterans Colton Bench and Louis Techahongsa banked the final two team scores shooting 86, 87, 81 (254) and 85, 868, 85 (256) respectively.

Head Coach Matt Ward had this to say about the tourney, "I'm proud of the way the guys battled this week.  We didn't have a full squad, so there was no room for error.  Obviously, there's room for improvement, but I'm pleased with how the guys kept their composure and positive attitude throughout the event.  It was a very difficult course, and the play was very slow, so it would have been very easy to lose focus.  Instead, they kept working and competing.  I really like that the team score improved from one round to the next.  It tells me they learned, made adjustments, and improved each round.  I'm looking forward to adding our 5th player when he gets into the US as he will help bolster our depth and provide another quality teammate for the trips.  We have a long road ahead, but as I keep telling them, "We are not preparing to be good at the end of September.  We are preparing to be good at the end of April."  I truly believe that with their work ethic and attitude, we will make great strides over the next 6-8 months."

UP NEXT:

The Hawks travel to Solvang, CA, to participate in The Master's Invitational at Alisal Ranch on October 11-12.