As Spring grows near, the Sonoma State University Men’s Golf team finished fifth in last week’s CCAA Championship (California Collegiate Athletic Association). The Women’s team had a bittersweet finish, ending the championship in a tie with Cal State Los Angeles for fourth place. Unfortunately, that brings the women’s season to a close while the men’s team looks ahead to NCAA West Regionals.

SSU freshman Talia Gutman made program history with the best individual finish when she placed second overall at the championship tournament. Prior to Gutman’s incredible performance, former Seawolf Samantha Cabung finished in a tie for third in last year’s conference championships.

Gutman picked up the clubs when she was only seven and has been playing ever since. “What keeps me going is ultimately my love for the sport itself and the people I get to play with,” she mentioned when asked what keeps her playing after so many years. Gutman also mentioned that the communal aspect of golf deserves credit for her love of the sport since it’s given her so many opportunities to get to know the women around her in tournaments.

Gutman said that the program has taught her the true value of teamwork, “Having a strong team to support you in your efforts is important.” Golf may be an individual sport considering it’s one-on-one aspect, but having a group that looks out for you as if they’re a second family is essential to a player’s success in this sport.

Sophomore Colin Huang finished tenth individually for the Men’s team in last week’s CCAA Championship. Huang talked about the plenty of highs and a fair share of lows experienced this season, mentioning that the travel team had one win during the regular season. Having said that, “We are excited to showcase our talent during regionals in hopes of making a push toward a national championship.”

Huang has also learned the importance in appreciating all the opportunities that life throws at him. Instead of having a fast-paced, “go-go-go” type of mindset, it’s beneficial to look forward to the small things in life. “Appreciating a movie or a show has been an example of how a little downtime can go a long way,” he said. Huang participated in his first collegiate-level tournament earlier this year and he found himself breaking out with a double-digit under par finish.

The head coach of the Golf program Valentine Verhunce has been with SSU for the last two decades. “I am learning more from them than they are from me,” he mentioned when asked about what he enjoys most about coaching. Verhunce also stated that having good communication between coaches and players is what helps all of them reach their highest potential, giving them great satisfaction. 

The women’s golf team fell short in continuing on to regionals, but Gutman is hoping she can be accepted to go as an individual. Coach Verhunce and the Men’s team still await their seeding for the 2023 NCAA West Regional, hosted by SSU on their home course in Rohnert Park, the Foxtail Golf Club. The tournament is slated to start in few weeks on May 11.