Trojans Men’s Golf Ready for New Schedule in 2024-25

Men’s Golf | September 03, 2024

LOS ANGELES – Second-year head coach Mark Hankins and USC men’s golf will start with a new tournament on the schedule, as it begins the 2024-25 campaign with the Southern Dunes Invitational, Sept. 9-10 at the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Ariz. 

Under Hankins, the Trojans will have a new look this year, as USC returns only four players and brings in a cast of three freshmen and one sophomore to the mix. Headlining the group of returners are junior Antonio Safa and senior Gavin Aurilia; both players made a recent appearance at the 124th U.S. Amateur in Chaska, Minn. During the 2023-24 season, Safa posted the best stroke average for the squad, averaging 71.30, while Aurilia compiled a 72.90 average in 31 rounds of golf. Those two, alongside senior Jackson Rivera, and sophomore Nicolas Dominguez will be the experience as USC undergoes its latest installment in program history. 

As the Trojans undergo this fall start, they are on the right path after a plethora of summer tournament success outside of collegiate golf. Safa continued his growth on the course, posting a runner-up finish at his national championship, the XCVI Campeonato Nacional Amateur in Mexico. He followed that with a 21st placement at the Pacific Coast Amateur before heading to Minnesota for the U.S. Amateur. Another steady returner for the Trojans who joined Safa at the Nacional Amateur is sophomore Nicolas Dominguez. Dominguez wrapped that tournament tied for 8th at one-under par. Dominguez played in 11 of the 12 tournaments for USC last year and posted a 73.40 stroke average during that span.

Senior Aurilia will look to be a mainstay in the lineup as he enters his final campaign as a Trojan. Aurilia joined Safa up north, where he was the first Trojan to punch his ticket to the 124th U.S. Amateur. The senior made his second appearance in the event, also playing in the 122nd U.S. Amateur after his sophomore year. Aurilia will again be a solid piece of the lineup as he recorded 31 rounds with a 72.90 stroke average last season. 

While the team’s veterans have already seen success through their years of play, the next generation awaits their chance to hit the links for USC. This freshman class has already produced quality junior and amateur results, as they look to contribute to team…