By Kara Gonzales

TAFT, CA – This past weekend, the Taft College Men's Golf Team had their first tournament at La Purisima Golf Course in Lompoc, California. This tournament was full of challenges. Team Captain, Holden Moreno said, "We knew this course was going to live up to the challenges. That's why the locals call it, La Piranha."

On Sunday, January 26th, the day started off cloudy but by the end of the round with only three holes left, they were forced to stop playing due to the rain. The second day, they had to start their round an hour earlier to play eighteen holes along with the three they did not play on Sunday, causing a normal eighteen-hole round to be a twenty-one hole round. On top of that, on both days there were 20 mph winds making the course even more challenging. After crazy weather and unexpected challenges, the team did their best representing Taft College.

Leading the Cougars, sophomore Holden Moreno shot an 87, and 85 with a total of 172. Next, Kohlson Schooley shot a 102, and a 92 shooting a total of 194. Right behind him, Mason Frieson shot a 97, and a 98 with a total of 196. Brady Shipley shot a 109 and a 96 shooting a total of 205. Kasen Clark shot 115 both days shooting a 230. Finally, Ryker Scherer shot a 125 and a 115 with a total of 240.

Their next match is on February 3, where they will be going against Reedley in a dual at Buena Vista Golf Course. Their season is looking bright, and it will be an exciting few months to watch these men improve every single match.