USC Men’s Golf Wraps Up William H. Tucker Invitational in Eleventh

Men’s Golf | September 21, 2024

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Junior Antonio Safa had the top score and finished just outside of the top 25, as the Trojans fell two spots on the final day and ended up 11th out of 17 teams at the William H. Tucker Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the University of New Mexico Championship Course. 

It was a tough day across the field, as only two teams were even or below par (Colorado, -2; UNLV, E). USC ended the final round 23-over par and 23-over for the tournament, finishing one back of 10th, with Arkansas State ending 22-over par. 

“We just weren’t tough enough this week.  Too many easy strokes given away on short Par 4’s and Par 5’s, some poor speed putting at times costing momentum and just lack of overall awareness when the conditions changed to adapt and score with the top teams,” head coach Mark Hankins said. “The course became increasingly difficult with some wind and good greens, but exactly what we are going to see the rest of the year.  We need to get back to qualifying, improve on our deficiencies and bring a greater sense of urgency to each tournament.” 

Junior Antonio Safa continued to be the Trojan on top as he carded a 77 (+5) to put him one-over par for the tournament and was tied for 26th. Safa recorded one birdie on the day with six bogeys, four coming from the front nine. 

Three USC golfers tied for the 54th spot: Senior Gavin Aurilia and sophomore Nicolas Dominguez and Jack Jerge. All three were six-over par for the day and ended their tournaments at eight-over par. 

Competing as an individual, Freshman Jack Buchanan tied Safa for the best day from a Trojan as he was five-over par. Buchanan wrapped up his tournament at ten-over par and finished tied for 66th. The final USC athlete on the board was junior Jackson Rivera, who carded an 83 (+11) on the final day and finished 18-over par. 

The Trojans return to action at the SMU Trinity Forest Invitational from Sunday, Oct. 6, through Tuesday, Oct. 8, their first three-day tournament, at the Trinity Forest G.C. in Dallas. 

For more information on the USC men’s golf team, a complete schedule, and results, please visit USCTrojans.com. Fans of the Trojans can follow the team on Instagram and on X @USCMensGolf.

TEAM LEADERBOARD