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Individuals aiming for state title

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Richie Maloof and Mathias Dahl proved throughout the season that they were among the best golfers in the Western State Conference.

The freshman duo on the Glendale Community College men’s team also displayed the same competitive success while matching up against the elite players from around Southern California.

Maloof and Dahl will next look to establish themselves among the best in the state when they participate in the California Community College Athletic Assn. Men’s Golf Championship, which will take place at 7 a.m. Monday at Santa Maria Country Club.

“It’s going to be great to be playing at state,” said Maloof, a St. Francis High graduate, who will tee off at 8:03 before beginning his second round at 1:33 p.m. on the par-72 course. “I’ve played the course and I’m looking forward to this.

“I feel like I’m playing some very good golf of late and I want to continue that. To win, you’ll probably have to go under par.”

Maloof advanced to the state tournament Monday after he carded a two-round score of 146 to tie for sixth at the Southern California Regionals at Glendora Country Club.

Dahl, a native of Sweden, finished tied for eighth with a 148 at the Southern California Regionals.

Dahl, who helped the Vaqueros finish second in conference and third in the regionals, said he’s capable of putting together two quality rounds Monday.

“I think I’ve got it in me to do even better,” said Dahl, who will tee off at 7:27 a.m. and 12:57 p.m. “It’s an easier course.

“I’m going to go out there and try to win state. It’s going to be tough because a lot of people will probably go under par.”

Maloof will be grouped with Justin Shotwell of Chabot and Tyler Schwanz of College of the Canyons. Dahl will be in a group that will also include Cody Grey of College of the Desert and Daniel Dal Poggetto of Santa Rosa.

Glendale Coach Greg Osbourne said course familiarity could play a big role in shaping the fate of Dahl and Maloof.

“It’s just about being able to keep it in play,” Osbourne said. “There are some holes where you can score well and the ones that aren’t are a little tricky.

“Mathias has a shot [to win] based on his sheer talent and experience. With Richie, he’s got the talent and it will just come down to mental preparation.”

The state tournament will feature four teams and 31 individuals. The team competition will feature Canyons, Desert, Chabot and Santa Rosa, along with 18 individuals from Southern California and 13 from Northern California. Chabot won the state tournament last season in Hanford, while Glendale placed seventh.

charles.rich@latimes.com

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