Pirates capture top spot at State Golf Preview
SANTA BARBARA -- If Monday's dress rehearsal performance is any indication of the grand opening, the Orange Coast College men's golf team could be a force to be reckoned with. On Monday, the Pirates took on the top teams in the state at the State Finals preview match at Sandpiper Golf Club and finished ahead of the field with a team score of 385.
Defending state champion, Reedley College, finished second overall with a 388, followed by Bakersfield (390), Ventura (391), Napa (394), College of the Canyons (398) and Santa Barbara (400).
Coast was led by freshman standout Tiger Tahvildari, who came out hot and shot the low round of the event, carding a 1-under-par, 71 on the challenging par-72 course.
OCC teammate, Cris Rodriguez was just three shots off of Tahvildari's pace and shot a 2-over, 74. A pair of Pirates -- Zach Iwashita and Jordan Fahy -- each carded 79s, while Nathan Rhee carded an 82 and Keenan Boyle fired an 87.
It was a strong statement by the Pirates, who will continue their 2024 season on Monday at Costa Mesa Country Club (11 a.m.) for the next Orange Empire Conference event and again on Wednesday at Los Lagos for the OEC Neutral matchup.
If all goes well, Coast will hope for a return trip up the 101 freeway for the 3C2A State Men's Golf Championships, which will take place on May 12-13 at Sandpiper Golf Club.
