Hawai’i Men’s Golf Team Returns to Compete in the Prestigious Western Intercollegiate
A Historic Tradition: The 78th Western Intercollegiate
The University of Hawai’i men’s golf team is set to make its 15th consecutive appearance at the highly anticipated Western Intercollegiate, presented by Titleist. This year’s tournament will unfold from April 14 to April 16 at the renowned Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz, California. As the longest-running college golf tournament west of the Mississippi, the Western Intercollegiate exudes a rich tradition that players and fans alike cherish.
Countdown to Competition
With daily live coverage on the Golf Channel from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM PT (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM HT), golf enthusiasts can catch all the thrilling action of this three-day tournament. Each participating golfer will navigate the challenging 18 holes of the par-70, 6,615 yard course, starting their day with tee times beginning at 8:46 AM PT on Monday and Tuesday, and 8:00 AM PT on Wednesday.
Dominating the Field: A Look at the Competitors
This year’s field is impressive, featuring 14 teams with seven ranked in the Top 50. Notable competitors include:
- No. 18 San Diego State
- No. 21 Arizona
- No. 22 Pepperdine
- No. 29 BYU
- No. 34 UNLV
- No. 36 Oregon
- No. 42 Stanford
The tournament will also host additional teams such as California, Nihon (Japan), Tennessee-Chattanooga, UC Irvine, and Washington. The format for the competition is a play-six, score-five, promising an exhilarating contest.
A Course with Character: The Pasatiempo Legacy
Designed by golfing legend Alister MacKenzie, Pasatiempo Golf Club is steeped in accolades and is renowned for its scenic beauty and challenging layout. The Western Intercollegiate carries a legacy of excellence, with a champion’s roster that includes golf icons such as Johnny Miller, Scottie Scheffler, and Mark O’Meara. The competition itself boasts a long-standing history, now in its 78th year, marking it as a cornerstone of collegiate golf.
Meet the Rainbow Warriors
Representing the University of Hawai’i is a talented squad that includes:
Additionally, Josh Hayashida will vie independently.
Veteran Players Seek Glory
Tyler Ogawa, a senior hailing from Honolulu, has a history at the Western, having finished 62nd in 2023, 51st in 2022, and 86th prior to that. Hayashida has participated twice, with performances that include a tie for 62nd in 2023. Among the team, only Watanabe has previous experience at the Western, finishing 89th last year. Under the guidance of head coach Scott Simpson, the Rainbow Warriors aim to exceed their best finish of 13th in 2023.
What Lies Ahead
Following the excitement of the Western Intercollegiate, the Rainbow Warriors will compete at the Big West Conference Championship scheduled for April 27-29 in La Quinta, California.
Tournament Details
- What: 78th Western Intercollegiate
- When: April 14 – April 16
- Where: Pasatiempo Golf Club, Santa Cruz, California
- Yardage (Par): 6,615 yards (Par 70)
- Format: 54 holes (18 holes each day); 6-count-5
- Host: San José State
- Field: 14 teams including Arizona, BYU, California, Hawai’i, Nihon (Japan), Oregon, Pepperdine, San Diego State, San José State, Stanford, Tennessee-Chattanooga, UC Irvine, UNLV, Washington
This year’s Western Intercollegiate promises to be a thrilling chapter in the ongoing saga of collegiate golf. With a deep field and loyal fans, all eyes will be on the Pasatiempo Golf Club as the best young talent takes contend for glory. #HawaiiMGOLF
