Safa, Aurilia and Rivera Named to Big Ten Players to Watch List

Men’s Golf | September 12, 2024

LOS ANGELES – USC men’s golf’s junior Antonio Safa, senior Gavin Aurilia and junior Jackson Rivera were named to the preseason Big Ten Players to Watch list; the conference announced Thursday, Sept. 12.

Each year the Big Ten conference announces a list of three players from each squad that are attached to the players to watch list. The Trojans’ three candidates this year are Safa, Aurilia and Rivera. All three of these players helped the Trojans claim their first team title since 2020 in the season opener at the Southern Dunes Invitational. 

Safa helped lead the Trojans in their first outing this season as he was five-under par and tied for 8^th place; his first top ten placement at USC. Safa was the team’s No. 1 throughout most of last year, leading the team in rounds of par or better (14), rounds under par (9), rounds in the 60s (6), and birdies (110). The junior posted one of his best finishes in the latter part of the season, as he was 15th at the final Pac-12 Championship. Safa also debuted at the U.S. Amateur this summer and finished two strokes away from advancing to match play.

Aurilia is one of the squad’s senior leaders; he has been playing at a high level since attending the U.S. Amateur for the second time in his career. The senior opened his season with his best career finish, claiming the individual runner-up prize at nine-under par at the Southern Dunes Invitational. Aurilia played in 11 of the 12 tournaments for USC last year and posted one top ten finish. During the 2023-24 season, he had a stroke average of 72.90, producing three rounds in the 60s and six under par. He was third on the squad with 90 birdies and had one eagle during his junior year.

Rivera is a common name that many Trojan fans know, as he has competed in two NCAA Regionals. The junior was hurt most of last season, as he only played in two tournaments for USC. Rivera made his return for the Trojans at the Southern Dunes Invitational and finished tied for 17^th at two-under par. During the 2023-24 season, he posted a stroke average of 71.70, had two rounds of par or better, and had one round in the 60s.

For more information on the USC women’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…