USC Men’s Golf Concludes Second Day at Southwestern Invitational

Men’s Golf | January 30, 2024

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. – The USC men’s golf team competed on Tuesday (Jan. 30) in the second round of the Southwestern Invitational at North Ranch Country Club finishing in a total of 10-over par (71+72+75+76=294) on the day pushing them to 4-over for the tournament. 

“We didn’t manage our nerves well today,” said head coach Mark Hankins. “Pins were tougher and we didn’t make the adjustments during the round to allow for us to shoot a solid team score. Krando and Sam fought hard and stayed in it, posting some solid rounds. It’s a tight field of quality teams, a good score in the morning will go a long way but we need to make the necessary adjustments.”

 

The tournament leader from yesterday, No. 22 Texas Tech, fell to second place at 8-under and was surpassed by No. 25 Ohio State who sits at 10-under, 14 strokes in front of the Trojans. 

 

Krando Nishiba played steady, posting the cleanest scorecard on the team. With 3 birdies and 3 bogeys, he finished in even-par 71 on the day, slotting him in a tie for 21st and at even-par on the tournament. 

 

Sam Lape bouced back today posting a team best 5 birdies on the round, with 3 of them coming in his final 5 holes. His 1-over par, 72 finish pushed him up the leaderboard into his current position, tied for 61st.

 

Antonio Safa, who had a stellar day yesterday, finished off a rough back side with a total of +4, 75 on the day. He fought throughout his round to keep the great position that he put himself in yesterday but slid back to even par on the tournament tied with Krando Nishiba in 21st. 

 

Nico Dominguez came into the day in the No. 1 spot for the Trojans after a career-best 66 on Monday but got off to a rocky start and couldn’t find his stride. He finished at 11-over 82 and moved to a tie for 55th. 

 

Gavin Aurilia finished off the team scoring posting a +5, 76. After a birdie on the 16th to finish out his round strong, he is in a tie for 64th.

 

After a strong first day and some miscues on the second day, the Trojans will need a solid final round to make up ground on the leaders at the Southwestern Invitational. USC will be in the early wave, teeing off at 8:22am PST for the third and final round. 

 

SOUTHWESTERN INVITATIONAL

NORTH RANCH COUNTRY CLUB

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA

TEAMS…