Under Coach Greg Osbourne, the Vaqueros have spent the first month of the season searching for an identity and ways to reduce their scores.
“Our team is shooting the same scores that they always do, and it’s all mental,” said Osbourne, who is a former Glendale college golfer and now the head professional at De Bell Municipal Golf Course in Burbank. “Now they are starting to realize that it’s a lack of work that’s holding them up.”
Sophomore Andrew Lepore carded a six-over-par 78 on the 6,736-yard course that appeared to be in quality condition.
Lepore finished with seven pars and three birdies despite struggling on the back nine.
“Overall, I had a good day,” Lepore said. “I hit the ball well, and I had my swing working.
“I had a couple of eight-foot birdies that I drained. The greens were smooth, and it’s a traditional course.
“It’s exciting to play all of these different courses. We are improving slowly, but it’s going to take more time and practice.”
Glendale college, which last competed in 1985 before budget cuts forced the sport to be eliminated, could have used some similar efforts from its other athletes.
Ernie Giapapas carded an 81 for the Vaqueros, who got an 85 from Patrick Grimes, an 86 from St. Francis High graduate Alex Sarkissian and an 87 from Ryan Richardson.
Andrew Ok of College of the Canyons fired a 74 to pick up low-medalist honors.
Bakersfield College finished third (394) and Ventura College was fourth (399). Citrus College took fifth (408), followed by Moorpark College (409) and Allan Hancock College (416).
Osbourne said the Vaqueros were delighted to host a match.
“The experience was fantastic,” Osbourne said. “To have every team come out and you get the chance to show off your home course is great.”
The conference’s fifth match will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Tierra Rejada Golf Club in Moorpark. The sixth conference event won’t happen until 10 a.m. March 24 at Santa Maria Country Club.
