Good Sports: Reedley College Men's Golf

REEDLEY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Golf is considered an individual sport by the majority of the people who play it. But at Reedley College, the Tiger Men have achieved success turning the game into a team sport.

"It's awesome," Reedley freshman Jeffrey Yamaguchi said. "We became close super-fast and we're like best friends now. We just want to play the best for each other."

Earlier this week Reedley earned a runner up finish as hosts of the California Community College Athletic Association's State Championships. The Tigers shot a lights-out 366 in the second round to secure the best finish in program history.

"Five freshman kids in our six-man lineup," Reedley golf coach Scott Stark said of his team. "And the fact that we could narrow the gap and finish second which is also a best for our program so very very proud of these kids."

Four of Reedley's six scorers hail from right here in the Valley, stretching from Oakhurst to Clovis and down to Visalia. Reedley's golf team is oozing with local pride.

"When you put all those aspects together and you bond those kids from all those different backgrounds, you really produce a team," Stark added.

"Just a great group of lads," Reedley freshman Ben Hallum said. "I don't have a bad thing to say about any of them."

And leading the Tigers' charge for much of the season are two England-born players looking to develop their games at four year schools after their time at Reedley. The "Euro's," as they are referred to, feel at home thanks to their teammates.

"We've been a long way (from home)," Hallum said. "It helps a lot having good friends here that makes it feel a lot more homely."

And after a second place finish this year, the bar is now set for even bigger things next year, and these Tigers can't wait to get started.

"I just think it creates a bigger bond for us because we're going to have next year together too," Yamaguchi said. "And even this summer we're going to be practicing a lot."

"It's going to be a long off season waiting for this to come back around," Hallum added. "But it's going to give me a good opportunity to work harder and win next year."