It was a busy week for Oakdale golfers and coaching staff. With three events in four days scheduled it was time to hit the links. On Monday, March 3 the Oakdale High School golf team hosted its inaugural 18-hole Oakdale Cup at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club. The tournament consisted of 10 schools in the area with a total of 59 golfers.
The Mustangs, who were led by Nathan Lute’s 91, scored a total of 502 that landed them a seventh place finish. Lute finished 13th overall on the leaderboard. Fellow Mustang teammate Domenic Fauria wasn’t too far behind Lute as he shot a respectable 94 to finish 23rd on the leaderboard. On top of the leaderboard was Hilmar’s Landon Azevedo, who shot a 75. Sonora came out on top the victor in the tournament with a team total of 443 that was led by Billy Kiriluk’s 82. Kiriluck finished tied for second on the leaderboard along with Turlock’s Teo Chiesa. Oakdale’s Logan Schultz finished the day shooting an even 100, landing him 35th on the leaderboard followed by the rest of the Mustangs with Austin Steves’ 108 good enough for 44th, Blaine Rocha 109 finishing 47th and Zackary Tamburrino’s 123 wrapping up the 53rd spot.
“We are very thankful to the staff of Oakdale Golf and Country Club for allowing a tournament to be held showcasing the course and bringing together ten teams for a friendly competition to kick start the golf season,” said Oakdale coach Lee McGhee. “The course was in great shape considering the weather and we are thankful for being able to host a quality tournament at OGCC. Conditions with the rain soaked ground and with the greens running at top notch speeds led to some higher than normal scores. All in all it was a very good day for all participants.”
The final scores for the tournament were: Sonora 443, Turlock 451, Buhach Colony 454, Escalon 457, Pitman 464, Hilmar 465, Oakdale 502, Kimball 539, Golden Valley 572 and Downey 580.
The boys returned to action on Tuesday, March 4 to host Sierra in a conference matchup.
“I’m a little disappointed in my performance from our tournament. I would like my short game to improve today and throughout the rest of the season,” Oakdale’s Logan Schultz said prior to tee time on Tuesday. Sierra would edge out Oakdale by six strokes to win 253-259 in the nine-hole set. Sierra’s Blake Settlemoire shot a three over par 39 to pave the way for the Timberwolves. Domenic Fauria led the way for Oakdale recording a score of 48, with teammates Logan Schultz and Austin Steves right behind him, each carding 49. Oakdale’s lone freshman, Zackary Tamburrino, shot a 56.
“This is a great learning experience. I’m excited about today and the remainder of our season,” said Tamburrino.
Blaine Rocha recorded a 57 while fellow Mustang Dante Martin shot a 59 to round out the scoring.
The Mustangs welcomed conference opponent East Union on Thursday, March 6 to wrap up the week at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. With heavy rainfall the night before, and gusts of heavy winds swirling during the contest, Oakdale found a way to overcome the elements and the Lancers by one stroke, 247-248.
Nathan Lute paced Oakdale as he finished his day with a score of 42. Logan Schultz wasn’t too far off the lead with his 44.
“Nice to be on the winning side of a one stroke difference in a golf contest,” noted McGhee.
The boys traveled to Stockton on Tuesday, March 11 to take on VOL opponent Weston Ranch (after press time) and will return Thursday, March 13 to host another VOL foe Manteca, with a 2:30 p.m. start time at Oakdale Golf and Country Club.
