The men’s and women’s golf teams opened their seasons by participating in the California State Intercollegiate Tournament Sept. 15-16. The tournament, hosted by Olivas Links in Ventura, saw the women’s team finish in third place and the men’s team finish in seventh place.
According to the Oxy Athletics website, transfer student Daniel Rowe (sophomore) had his Occidental debut shooting eight-under par across three rounds for a fourth-place finish. Additionally for the men’s team, Miles Eastman (senior) shot four-under par, placing ninth.
For the women’s team, Amy Seo (first year) had a +4 performance that resulted in her seventh-place tie. Amanda Gow (senior) and Rachel Aujero (senior) contributed to the team with a +5, tying for 9th, and +7, tying for 12th, respectively.
Men’s and women’s Head Coach Will Morris said he was pleased with the women’s performance against tough competition.
“The women did extremely well,” Morris said. “In fact, we broke a school record in the last round where we shot 11 over par. We broke 300, which is a big milestone in golf, on a par 72 course. I’m very happy with how they played.”
Morris said both teams’ efforts thus far have been impressive, and he is excited about the new talent.
“The players are passionate about getting better,” Morris said. “Our teams push each other in a very good way, and make it competitive so they’re working on their game. We have two new women and two new men, including a transfer. They’re very good players and fit into the team dynamic.”
Morris also said his players’ dedication towards building a strong team community on and off the field is commendable.
“The environment is very good,” Morris said. “I’m very proud of our players because they are involved in so many things. They are true student athletes […] I think we have a good culture with students that support each other.”
Morris said his goal for both teams this year is simple.
“It’s just to continue to improve,” Morris said. “We’re getting better as we go.”
Rowe said he felt comfortable in his Occidental golf debut.
“I got rolling from the start,” Rowe said. “It was a nice, easy course. I felt like I could get confidence early, and I just didn’t let the foot off the gas pedal.”
Rowe said he was particularly pleased with his statistical performance at the tournament.
“The first day, shooting eight-under [over the first two rounds] was pretty good,” Rowe said. “I made a lot of birdies. The third round I had a little bit of a shaky start, but brought it back and made a few birdies in the end. I was happy with how I played.”
Rowe said he is optimistic about the team, and his new teammates.
“I think it’s a great team,” Rowe said. “I love the guys. I’m excited for the rest of the season. We have a lot of depth this year, and we have the skill set to win tournaments and consistently place in the top five.”
Rowe said he has big goals for his first season as a Tiger.
“Winning a tournament is a big goal for me,” Rowe said. “Just put myself out there, get a good round going and keep it going the whole tournament.”
Amanda Gow (senior) said she felt like the women’s team started the season off on the right foot.
“I think everyone played pretty well overall,” Gow said. “One of our freshmen was our top scorer, and she and I [finished] Top 10. That was my best finish in a tournament, which is pretty exciting.”
Gow said she is hoping for the best in her final season with the team.
“I have pretty high expectations for the rest of this season,” Gow said. “All the seniors want to play super well. Hopefully we can be competitive for SCIAC tournaments in the spring and maybe even break some school records.”
Gow said there is one record in particular that she would like to challenge.
“I think the overall team score for one day in a tournament is one that we’re hoping to break,” Gow said.
Seo said she was enthusiastic about her start to the season.
“I felt pretty good,” Seo said. “A little nervous, since it was my first tournament. On hole 12, I managed to hit a drive 310 yards with backwind. That was a new record for me.”
Seo said she also felt excitement regarding team chemistry.
“I really like the team,” Seo said. “Especially since everyone’s really close together. I’m really excited for the upcoming tournaments.”
Seo said she is setting her sights even higher for the rest of the year.
“I’m hoping to at least get our team to second place, or possibly even first,” Seo said.
Assistant Coach Joseph Cano said he is optimistic about the women’s team this season.
“We have a pretty solid team,” Cano said. “At least in my twelve, thirteen years that I’ve been with the team, this is definitely the strongest that we’ve ever had.”
Cano said despite the graduation of last year’s seniors, he is also hopeful about this year’s men’s squad.
“I was concerned about what we lost last year,” Cano said. “I wasn’t sure if we could fill the void left by the seniors. But I was pleasantly surprised […] The future is pretty bright.”
Contact Mac Ribner at ribner@oxy.edu
