The UCLA men’s golf team secured a 10-shot victory over San Diego State and 11 other teams at the Preserve Golf Club Collegiate, marking a strong finish after a second-place result at the previous event. The Bruins turned things around in the final round, shooting 11 under to finish with a total score of 23 under 841. Coach Armen Kirakossian attributed the team’s success to the players’ ability to perform well and finish strong, an area they had previously struggled with.
Senior Pablo Ereno led the Bruins on the individual leaderboard, finishing just one shot behind the winner. His strong performance, along with senior Omar Morales and Baylor Larrabee’s high finishes, have put them in a good position in the PGA Tour University standings. Morales was in fifth place before the tournament, while Ereno was in 12th place. A top-10 finish for Ereno could earn him conditional status on the Korn Ferry Tour, highlighting the significance of their performance at the Preserve tournament.
Kirakossian emphasized the importance of staying hungry and continuously working towards improvement, even after celebrating the team’s first win of the fall season. He highlighted the contributions of all team members and the need for ongoing development as they head into the spring season. The players are motivated by the opportunities ahead of them, including potential status on the Korn Ferry Tour and exemptions into PGA Tour events.
The Bruins’ victory at the Preserve Golf Club Collegiate showcased their ability to perform under pressure and close out a tournament with a strong final round. The team’s resilience and determination paid off, as they learned from past events and capitalized on their strengths. The win not only boosts their confidence but also solidifies their position on the national collegiate golf scene.
The challenging Tom Fazio-designed layout at the Santa Lucia Preserve provided a test for the players, who rose to the occasion and delivered impressive scores throughout the tournament. The host team, Cal Poly, set the stage for competitive play, with UCLA emerging as the dominant force. The Bruins’ cohesive team dynamic and individual talent were on full display, setting them up for continued success in future events.
As the PGA Tour University standings are updated, Morales, Ereno, and the rest of the team will be eagerly anticipating their rankings and opportunities for future advancement in the professional golf world. Their performance at the Preserve tournament has positioned them well for the upcoming NCAA Championship and beyond, further solidifying their status as top contenders in collegiate golf. With a renewed focus on improvement and a hunger for success, the Bruins are poised to build on their recent victory and achieve even greater heights in the seasons to come.
