Glendale college men’s golfer Evin Davis qualifies for state tournament
Evin Davis picked an opportunistic time to have all facets of his game working.
The freshman on the Glendale Community College men’s golf team stepped on to the turf of StoneRidge Country Club in Poway on Monday prepared for the 36-hole Southern California Regionals and looking to qualify for the state tournament.
Davis began with an even-par 71 and followed up with a 75 for a two-round score of 146 to finish tied for seventh at the event, and by doing so, punched his ticket to the state match.
“I had everything working for me and I’m just excited to be going to state,” said Davis, who will next participate in the state tournament next Monday at the par-72 Victoria Club in Riverside. “It’s pretty exciting to be going as a freshman.
“I hit the ball well off the tees, but my putting saved me. If you can’t putt, then you can’t score that well.”
Glendale, which finished fourth in the Western State Conference, placed 10th in the 10-team competition with a two-round tally of 797. The Vaqueros had a first-round score of 405, followed by a 392. College of the Canyons finished first with a two-round score of 723, followed by Riverside College (738) to march on to the team competition in the state tournament. The two top teams and 18 individuals from Southern California qualified for the state tournament.
Glendale first-year Coach Todd Tyni said Davis flourished on the 6,500-yard course.
“I really liked the way he played,” Tyni said. “He struck the ball very well and he was on off the tee when I watched him.
“There are a lot of doglegs on the course and he placed his shots. We are all proud of him.”
Glendale fielded a six-player team Monday. In addition to Davis, the Vaqueros got a two-round score from Joel Yoo (82-77—159), 166s from Justin Sandon (84-82) and Khorri Ellis (86-80) and a 168 from Andrew Salinas (90-78). Vincent Lam had an 82 in the first round, but withdrew prior to the second round because of a hand injury.
“We had some trouble in the first round [as a team],” Tyni said. “We figured the course out a little more in the second round and were able to shoot better.”
Felix Mory of Santa Barbara had a two-round score of 138 to earn medalist honors.
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Follow Charles Rich on Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich .
