Teeing Off with Tigers Golf

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2009) – Occidental College golfers are taking advantage of the Southern California weather and hitting the links for the 2009 season. For the first time in history women’s golf will be offered as a competitive NCAA Intercollegiate sport at Occidental College. Both the men’s squad and the newly formed women’s team will compete within the conference as the field of players is much improved from a year ago.

Although the Tigers are still young, there is much more depth and talent than in years past, which will help Oxy focus on bigger goals.

Returning to lead the way for Occidental will be Second Team All-SCIAC junior captain Rich Highsmith who will be joined by the returning veteran group of classmate Alex Safransky and the sophomore duo of Ryan Ferguson and Nick Schradle.

Joining the 2009 Tigers will be a highly regarded freshman class that comes with stellar Junior Tournament records and rankings. Seven rookies will be teeing off for the first time in college this year.

As for the women’s team, Tori Leon, who competed with the men’s team in 2008 and will continue to have opportunities to play with the men, will play for Oxy's first ever women's team.

The women start with a limited schedule and roster but look to quickly build a competitive program. Leon will play at leave five events this season and possesses the ability to qualify for the NCAA Championships as an individual.

The Tigers will be much improved and are excited to be back out on the course for their respective 2009 campaigns. Golfers will begin on Friday, Feb. 13 with non-conference action before opening up SCIAC play on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Brookside, Occidental’s home course. Oxy hosts two matches this season.