Glendale college men’s golfer Jin Park set for Southern California Regionals
Jin Park certainly isn’t a stranger to the playoff stage.
He’s soaked up some past experiences, including an appearance with the talented Glendale Community College men’s golf team that advanced to the state tournament in 2011.
Things will now be a bit different for Park, who will tee off at the Southern California Regionals on Monday at Costa Mesa Golf and Country Club.
Park, a Burbank High graduate, will be the lone representative from Glendale college to participate in the 36-hole event and attempt to qualify for the California Community College Athletic Assn. Men’s Golf Championship on May 13 at Rancho Cañada Golf Club in Carmel.
“It’s going to be a different experience playing as an individual,” said Park, who finished fifth in the Western State Conference on April 22 after recording a two-round score of 142 at Soule Park Golf Course in Ojai. “Having playoff experience will help me out because I already know about certain situations that might come up.
“I wish we could have gone as a team, but I’m excited that I have the chance to go out there. I have to play well and I want to make my team proud. I’m excited, but I know there’s going to be some pressure, too.”
Park took last season off because of exhaustion. He’s since rebounded quite nicely.
Park will make his inaugural appearance on the par-72 course, which spans 6,614 yards. The first round will begin at 7 a.m., followed by the second round at 12:30 p.m.
Glendale college Coach Greg Osbourne said Park enters the event riding a wave of momentum after finishing up the last month of the regular season strong.
“He’s matured a lot over the last couple of years,” said Osbourne, whose team finished seventh at state in 2011. “He’s turned into a man and a better golfer across the board.
“He can draw from the experiences of the playoffs from two years ago. I think he’s got a legit shot at getting to state because I like the way he’s been playing lately. You just want to get through this. He doesn’t have to win [Monday]. Once you get to state, anything can happen.”
The top two teams and 18 individuals from Monday’s competition will qualify for the 36-hole state tournament. Among the teams scheduled to compete are College of the Canyons, Santa Barbara, Ventura, College of the Desert, Orange Coast, Santiago Canyon, Palomar and El Camino Real.
The Northern California Regionals will take place Monday at Diablo Grande Resort and Golf Club in Patterson. The top two teams and 13 individuals from that region will advance to the state tournament.
Desert won the state championship last season.
