VENTURA, CA

Menlo Golf took a successful trip to Southern California this week, competing at the Westmont Invitational at Olivas Links Golf Course in Ventura. 

Women's Team Finishes Tied for 1st, Batang Tops Individual Leaderboard

With a 2-round team score of 597 (+21), Menlo tied with conference rival OUAZ for the tournament title. The Oaks shaved 1 stroke off their score from day 1 to day 2, shooting totals of 299 and 298, respectively. They were the only team to finish in below 300 strokes in both rounds of the event. 

The women had the best average team scores on par-3 and par-4 holes, with marks of 3.08 (+3) and 4.32 (+32), respectively. They also had the most birdies of any team in the tournament, finishing with 28. The next-closest team had 20 birdies, with no other GSAC team finishing with more than 15.

Director of Golf Mike Givens said, "I'm really proud of the women. They ended day 1 with a 3-stroke lead, then faced a 5-stroke deficit midway through round 2 before rallying to end in a tie for 1st place. That effort and focus epitomizes what this team is all about."

On the individual side of the tournament, senior Catherine Batang topped the leaderboard with a cumulative score of 142 (-2). She had the best average score on par-4 holes of any individual, finishing at 3.95 (-1). She also had the most individual birdies, with 8, and one of the tournament's 3 total eagles. 

Director Givens remarked that "it's always fun to watch Catherine compete. She is an integral part of this team."

Men Place 4th, Guy Landry Ties for 4th as Individual

With a 2-day score of 595 (+19), the men secured 4th place as a team in the second round of play. After shooting a team total of 305 through the first 18 holes, the Oaks put their noses to the grindstone on day 2 and posted a score of 290.

The men finished in a tie for the second-best average score on par-5 holes, at 4.75 (-10). They also finished with the second-most birdies of any team, with 30.

Menlo's best individual performance came from sophomore Nic Guy Landry, who finished tied for 4th with a total score of 142 (-2). He was below par overall on par-5 holes, finishing with an average score of 4.38 (-5). He also tied for the second-most birdies among individuals, with 9.

Mike Givens said, "The guys struggled the first day, but shot really well in the second round. That 290 performance showed the grit that I know they possess, and expect them to play with in every tournament."

Up Next

The next event on both teams' schedules is the CLU Kingsman and Regals Invitational on March 13th and 14th. That tournament will be played at the Moorpark Country Club in Moorpark, California.