Greg Larson

For the Review

Making their roar heard on the usually tranquil and serene greens of Illahee Country Club’s golf course, the Wildcats defeated their five competitors by a sizeable margin Sept. 15.

A successful season-opener showed the depth of Linfield’s roster, with all six players finishing in the top 10.

Senior Andrew Fitch finished with a 73, while junior Tony Kordosky and sophomore Yutaro Sakamoto followed close behind with 75 each. 

Coach Greg Copeland said he is excited for the progression of new players, such as Sakamoto and freshman Alex Fitch.

When asked about another trip to nationals this year, coach Copeland said he was optimistic.

“Our guys are willing to work hard and really want that opportunity,” he said. ”We really have the personnel to achieve our goals this year.”

Monday’s goal of 300 strokes or fewer as a team came to fruition as the team shot a sleek 299 to defeat Willamette University, 309, Pacific University, 313, and George Fox University, 344.

Copeland also said that in the Northwest Conference, Linfield is the team to beat.

Pacific, Whitworth and Willamette will all be looking to knock Linfield from the top spot all season.

The players are poised for the Linfield Invitational meet.

“We’ve got a pretty solid group of guys,” Kordosky said. “We are definitely the favorite, which entails some pressure, but Monday was a good start.”

The Wildcats are ready for the challenges ahead and look forward to shining throughout the season. They have the coach, the players and the drive to be successful, and they are ready to represent Linfield on the big stage.

The ’Cats return to Illahee Sept. 24 before hosting the Linfield Invitational on Sept. 27 and 28 at Michelbook Country
Club.