The men’s golf team has been off to a rocky start in the first half of EBAL.
Though the team is playing fairly well, the Grizzlies seem to fall just short in matches, as their 3-6 record indicates.
“We seem to be playing better away (from The Bridges),” coach Mike Pottinger said of the team’s home course. “It’s unusual and has never happened before while I have been head coach.”
The team’s most recent loss was on March 31, when Foothill won 190-197 at Castlewood. Senior Ryan Smith shot 37, followed by junior Justin Haley (39) and senior Jordan Johnson (40).
“It has been a season with a lot of ups and downs,” said Ryan. “Hopefully the teams luck will turn around at the second half of this season.”
The Grizzlies beat Livermore 201-228 on March 30. Cal played great with Justin shooting 39 and junior Sunny Johl followed close behind with a 40.
Cal lost 208-214 against De La Salle on March 24 at home. Justin played extremely well, shooting an even par 36.
One of Cal’s highlights this season came on March 23 at the Aiello Invitational in Discovery Bay. Ryan shot even par 71 to win the tournament and lead Cal to a third place finish with a team score of 409.
“It felt really good for everything to come together,” said Ryan. “Things just seemed to work. I had a good day.”
The Grizzlies crushed Granada 205-242 on March 19 at the Bridges.
“The guys are improving and scores are going down,” said Pottinger. “If they keep up, things will start turning around and more victories will come.”
Cal defeated Livermore 208-226 at Wente on March 17. Justin shot a team low 39, followed by Jordan and junior Andrew Davidson’s 41s. Cal tied San Ramon at 216 on March 12 at home, but ended up losing the match on the first playoff hole. Jordan shot a 36, his low for the season so far.
“I’ve been waiting for a moment like this all season,” said Jordan. “It felt extremely good to play like that.”