USC Men’s Golf Places Ninth at Cal Poly Intercollegiate

Men’s Golf | October 31, 2023

Carmel, Calif. – The USC men’s golf team wrapped up its fall campaign today (Oct. 31) at the Preserve Golf Club in Carmel. Calif., placing ninth at the Cal Poly Intercollegiate. The Trojans played 27 holes today, finishing up the second round (which began last night) and completing the third round After a hot start yesterday, USC finished the tournament at 4-under (283+287+290=860), shooting 1-under in the second round and 2-over in the final round. 
 
Nicholas Dominguez continued his stellar play from yesterday, carding nine birdies in his two rounds. He finished his second round on Tuesday morning in 1-over (73). This afternoon, Dominguez made 4 birdies in a round to an even-par, 72, which placed him at 4-under in total for the tournament. He finished in a tie for 15^th, leading the Trojans in the last three rounds. 
 
Dominguez remarked on his steady weekend, saying “I focused on staying in the present, being aware of the moment and taking it one shot at a time. I tried to stick to my routine and play the golf I know I can and be patient out there.”
 
Sophomore Antonio Safa, who has been leading the Trojans all fall, battled all day. After beginning his second round last night with two birdies, he fought his way to an even par-72 to end his second round. In the final round, Safa, who made an eagle late, fought hard all day but ended in 2-over (74), even-par for the tournament and in a tie for 33^rd.
 
Krando Nishiba and Gavin Aurilia tied at 2-over par for the tournament and both tied for 38^th. Aurilia started off strong yesterday and carried over the strong play to his second round with a 1-under (71). He finished out the day in 4-under (76). Nishiba finished his second round in 1-under (71) and carried over the low scores to the afternoon, finishing his final round in 2-under (70). 
 
Sam Lape finished his second round in 11-over (83) and closed out the tournament with a 2-over (74) in the final round. Lape’s three rounds earned him 80^th place.
 
Coach Hankins discussed how the team dealt with the unexpected format, commenting, “We did a great job the first two rounds. The last round, we didn’t finish off, didn’t birdie some of the getable holes and it cost us some spots. In a format like this, you just have to continue to push yourself to be your best….