SAN DIEGO – The UC Santa Barbara Golf team had its best showing of the season as it finished second place at the UC San Diego Invitational. Jack Watters earned a top-five finish while Ryan Gay earned a top-20 finish.
 
ROUND ONE
The Gauchos opened the tournament with their best round of the event. Ryan Gay and Zach Schwab led the team, both shooting a 69 (-3). Jack Watters and Dylan Ma additionally shot under par, both shooting a 71 (-1). As a team, the Gauchos finished the day eight under par and in second place.
 
ROUND TWO
The Gauchos fought hard in the second round to hold their positioning. This time, Nick Waldock was the low scorer on the day. The junior bounced back from round one to shoot a 70 (-2). Ma followed closely behind with another 71 (-1) showing. As a team, the Gauchos shot even par on the day.
 
ROUND THREE
In the final round of the event, Watters and Gay shinned. Watters shot a 66 (-6) to help the Gauchos claim runner-up in the invitational. His 66 was tied for the second-best round of the entire tournament. Ryan Gay polished off his event with a 70 (-2). As a team, the Gauchos shot three under on the final day.
 
INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS
T5. Jack Watters – 71-73-66 = 210 (-6)
T15. Ryan Gay – 69-74-70 = 213 (-3)
T31. Dylan Ma – 71-71-75 = 217 (+1)
T51. Zach Schwab – 69-78-74 = 221 (+5)
T59. Nick Waldock – 74-70-78 = 222 (+6)
 
NOTABLES
The Gauchos scored the best on the par 5's throughout the event. UC Santa Barbara played them -25, good for 4.58.
The Gauchos recorded the third most eagles and the seventh most birdies in the event.
Jack Watters played the par 5's tied for second best on the week at -8.
 
UP NEXT
The Gauchos will have two weeks to prepare for their home tournament, which they will host on April 6 and April 7. The tournament will be held at Sandpiper Golf Club in Santa Barbara.