Andrew Perez opened his collegiate golf career with a bang on Tuesday, firing a 6-under 66 at Rio Bravo CC to capture the individual title and help SBCC claim the championship at the Bakersfield Invitational.
Perez, a freshman who won the CIF Southern Section individual crown at Santa Barbara High last year, set a tournament course record with his 6-under-par 66. He shot 73 in Monday’s first round at Seven Oaks CC for a 36-hole total of 5-under 139.
“He said he made every birdie opportunity except one,” said Vaquero coach Chuck Melendez. “He was extremely focused and really wanted to win. Obviously, he’s very talented.”
The Vaqueros, who started the day 11 shots back in third place at the 13-team tourney, beat first-round co-leader and defending state champion Canyons by 15 strokes with a final-round 375. SBCC finished at 751, four shots ahead of Canyons and 10 better than Fresno City.
Matt Siporin, who led the Vaqueros with a 72 on Monday, turned in a 76 to finish at 148. Albert Corral, a freshman from San Marcos, carded a 75 for a 154 total. Thomas Richards finished at 155, followed closely by Dustin Schweitzer (158) and Steve Wilson (159).
“We have a talented group and this is a great way to start,” said Melendez, who guided the SBCC women’s golf team to its second state title in three years last November.
Bakersfield Invitational
At par-72 Rio Bravo CC
Final team scores (13 schools) — 1, SBCC 376-375–751. 2, Canyons 365-390–755. 3, Fresno City 365-396–761. 4, Hancock 383-387–770. 5, Bakersfield 380-392–772. 6, Moorpark 382-399–781.
Medalist — Andrew Perez, SBCC, 73-66–139. Perez broke the tournament course record at Rio Bravo with his 6-under 66.
Other SBCC scores — Albert Corral 79-75–154, Thomas Richards 77-78–155, Dustin Schweitzer 78-80–158, Steve Wilson 76-83–159.
A guy this good couldn’t get a college scholarship? wow, it must be really tough.