By: Diego Macaraeg (@DiegoMac_sports) – Spear Reporter | Senior Zubair Firdaus lining up a putt. (Photo courtesy of SJSU Athletics)
San Jose State men’s golf opened its season with a solid showing at the Palouse Collegiate, finishing sixth out of 12 teams, with a team total of 830 (-22).
On day one, senior Avinash Iyer set the tone early, firing a first-round score of 65, on his way to a 205 (-8) and a tie for ninth place overall.
Iyer also led the Spartans in birdies for the tournament, showing consistencyin all three rounds.
Right behind Iyer, senior Ivan Barahona was steady across all three rounds with a final of 207 (-6) to tie for 15th.
The Spartans showcased depth throughout the lineup with junior Keshav “KC” Mungali and senior Jed Dy both tied for 28th at 210 (-3).
Making his first appearance for SJSU, freshman Ben Friedman delivered three straight even-par 71s to tie for 36th.
According to SJSU Athletics, SJSU men’s golf head coach John Kennaday praised the positive first step into the season, noting that most of the team played under par in at least one round.
“We played some really good golf,” Kennaday said. “I was really pleased with what I saw as a start to our season.”
As a group, the Spartans recorded rounds of 271, 279 and 280, staying competitive in a 12-team field that featured the host Washington State, who won with a score of 807 (-45).
“Great experience, but as you know experience is only worth what you get out of it, what you do with it,” Kennaday said.
After a balanced performance and room for improvement, SJSU looks forward to its next competition starting Saturday Sept. 20 at the Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational in Colorado Springs, Colo.
