Fresno State at Southern Dunes Collegiate
Sept. 9-10, 2024 • Southern Dunes Collegiate • Maricopa, Ariz.
Live Stats: GolfStat.com
Twitter (X): @FresnoStateMG
FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno State men's golf team will open the 2024-25 season at the Southern Dunes Collegiate hosted by USC at the 7,546, Par 72 Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Course.
THE FIELD
The eight-team field includes Eastern Michigan, Fresno State, Georgia State, Grand Canyon, Kansas State, Kennesaw State, San Diego and USC.
THE SCHEDULE
Monday, Sept. 9 – 8:00 a.m. PT shotgun – 36 holes
Tuesday, Sept. 10 – 8:00 a.m. PT shotgun – 18 holes
THE LINEUP
Joseph Lloyd
James Watney
Jaden Hunter
Mason Benbrook
Indv. Chris Bettencourt
WHO'S BACK
Fresno State has five returners, including Mountain West Freshman of the Year Ryan Firpo.
Firpo competed in all 12 tournaments for the Bulldogs, owning a 72.8 scoring average. He logged two Top 25 finishes during the season. Firpo was named Mountain West Freshman of the Week of April 18.
Joseph Lloyd competed in all 12 tournaments for the Bulldogs in 2023. He owned a 71.8 scoring average. Lloyd finished in second place at the prestigious Maui Jim Intercollegiate after shooting a career-low 17-under 196, setting a new program record. He recorded two Top 5 finishes and four Top 20 finishes.
Mason Benbrook competed in eight tournaments for the Bulldogs, while owning a 72.8 scoring average.
Jaden Hunter competed in five tournaments, owning a 73.7 scoring average.
Jake Bettencourt makes his return to the course after sitting out last season due to injury.
NEW TO THE COURSE
Fresno State bolsters its roster with three new additions, including two freshmen and one transfer, all hailing from the Valley.
James Watney transferred to Fresno State after spending his freshman season at Saint Mary's. He competed in six tournaments and finished with a 73.6 stroke average as a true freshman. Watney recorded two top-30 finishes and placed a season-best 28th at the National Invitational Tournament hosted by Arizona. He led Saint Mary's with a 7-under-par performance and an 11th place team finish at the National Invitational Tournament.
Watney, a native of Clovis, Calif., was a four-year letter winner at Buchanan High School and a two-time Tri-River Athletic League Team honoree. He also qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur two years in a row.
Steven Rivera graduated from Bullard High School (Fresno, Calif), where he was a first team All-CMAC selection. He owned the low individual scoring average as he helped lead the Knights to a Valley Championship.
Chris Bettencourt graduated from Buchanan High School (Clovis, Calif.). He is the brother of current Bulldog Jake Bettencourt.