SBCC showed off its depth on Monday in the season-opening men’s golf tournament at Bakersfield.
The Vaqueros shot 378 for third place in the 10-team field of the Bakersfield Invitational at par-72 Seven Oaks CC. Freshmen Blake McPherson and Charlie Holyoke led Santa Barbara at 3-over 75. Johnny Hogan, Steven Lam and Brett Patton all shot 76 with Dodge Ward carding a 77.
Joakim Flinck, a freshman from Sweden, competed as an individual and turned in a 73 for the Vaqueros.
It’s a two-day tourney but the Vaqueros chose to only play in the first round, so they could be at school on Tuesday for opening day of the Spring semester.
Canyons is the leader at 368, followed by Reedley (376), SBCC (378), Ventura (394) and Glendale (394).
“I can’t remember the last time we had eight guys in the 70s,” said coach Chuck Melendez. “We have a great deal of depth and talent. This might be the most quality depth I’ve ever had.
“I was very happy with our performance. We’re only going to get better as long as we continue to work hard.”
SBCC returns to action on Feb. 11 in WSC No. 1 at Canyons.
Bakersfield Invitational
First round
Team — 1, Canyons 368. 2, Reedley 376. 3, SBCC 378. 4 (tie), Ventura, Glendale 394. 6, Bakersfield 395, 7, Citrus 397. 8, West Hills 400. 9, Fresno 407. 10, Hancock 408.
Medalist (par 72) — Nathan Katz, Canyons, 71.
SBCC scores — Blake McPherson 75, Charlie Holyoke 75, Johnny Hogan 76, Steven Lam 76, Brett Patton 76, Dodge Ward 77. Played as individuals: Joakim Flinck 73, Thomas Nelz 79.
