Vaqueros begin conference with fifth-place finish

GLENDALE — With expectations moderately high for the Glendale Community College men’s golf team, it did not get the start it sought when opening up Western State Conference competition Monday afternoon.

After beginning their season with an impressive outing last week, the Vaqueros took a step back Monday after they shot a 400 and finished fifth in a conference match at the Valencia Country Club.

Glendale college Coach Greg Osbourne had to write out a new lineup, which didn’t include freshman Michael Timpson. The Santa Clarita Valley course, new to many of the Vaqueros, proved to be troublesome.

“A lot of things just didn’t go right for us,” said Osbourne, whose team finish second at the Tee Off Classic at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills on Wednesday. “It’s college golf and these guys need to play well as individuals.

“It’s time for them to be men and be able to take the good with the bad. They know it’s the little things about preparation and using that to help them play as individuals.”

Brennan Amirkhizi led the way for the Vaqueros with a five-over-par 77. Jin Park, a reigning All-Area honoree, fired a 78 for Glendale. Vincent Lam carded a 79 for the Vaqueros, who got an 81 from Danny Fernandez and an 85 from Phillip Gonzales.

The Vaqueros competed without Timpson, a Crescenta Valley High graduate and a reigning All-Area pick who captured the Pacific League championship last season.

Osbourne said Timpson didn’t compete Monday because he failed to qualify for a place in the lineup. Osbourne said Timpson needed to re-qualify to earn a spot.

“I think he’s learned a huge lesson,” Osbourne said. “We are a team mainly of freshmen.

“We’ve got somebody like Brennan who’s trying to carry the team all by himself.”

The Vaqueros will next participate in a conference match Feb. 21.