Golf

GLENDALE — Much like the program itself, the 2011 Glendale Community College men's golf team has become better and better as the season has progressed. It's a huge factor as to why the Vaqueros are set to make their inaugural appearance in the state championship, which will be held at 8 a.m. Monday at Kings Country Club in Hanford. "We have a good lineup and we have some experienced players," said Glendale college men's Coach Greg Osbourne, whose team finished second at the Southern California Regionals on Monday at Bermuda Dunes Country Club and will be one of eight squads competing for state prominence.

BURBANK — Emily Tubert is surely getting the most out of her freshman college season. Tubert, a Burroughs High graduate and true freshman at the University of Arkansas, has had a first season with the Razorbacks' women's golf team filled with success. And in turn, Arkansas has benefitted from the play of the former All-Area player of the year. "I've loved every minute of this season," Tubert said. "It has just been amazing and a truly great experience. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but at this school, with this team.

BURBANK — There was elation as well as disappointment for a pair of Burroughs High junior boys' golfers at the Pacific League individual finals. While one Indians punched his ticket to the CIF Southern Section Individual Tournament, the other missed qualifying by just one stroke. The drama unfolded Wednesday at Brookside Golf Course No. 2, where the league's top athletes were vying for not only the league individual title, but a chance to advance to the individual event.

Bits and pieces from the local sports scene: Former Burroughs standout getting recognition among top women : Burroughs High graduate and current University of Arkansas women's golfer Emily Tubert is receiving acknowledgement on a global scale. On the official website of the World Amateur Golf Ranking that was released last week, Tubert earned the No. 3 spot among the best female athletes in the world. The women's No. 1 is 2010 Ladies Professional Golf Ass. Xavier International champion Mitsuki Katahira from Japan.

CHINO HILLS — On the eve of the biggest round of her career, Tammy Panich didn't get much sleep. The Glendale Community College women's golfer said she slept for about five hours in between planning ahead for her final round of the California Community College Athletic Assn. Women's Golf State Championships on Tuesday. Panich shook off the lack of sleep and stepped to the forefront in the biggest moment in her career. Panich fired an even-par 74 to finish tied for first with Kayla Riede of Sacramento City College, but won in a card-off to capture the state crown at Los Serranos Country Club's North Course.

BURBANK — Emily Tubert is having the time of her life. In the midst of her freshman season at the University of Arkansas, Tubert — who graduated from Burroughs High in May — is enjoying success with the Razorbacks women's golf team. "Working with my teammates and the coaches has just been a awesome experience," Tubert said. "I just love it here and I'm really enjoying competing and traveling with the team. " Earning accolades is something that Tubert has received a great deal of since picking up the sport a few years ago. She earned another prestigious honor Wednesday, when she was named to the Rolex Junior All-America First Team.

BURBANK — Emily Tubert has the undisputed truth, but she still can't believe it. Taking part in the prestigious U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship on the 6,092-yard, par-71 Warren Golf Club at Notre Dame, against a talented field, the recent Burroughs High graduate surprised even herself. In the championship match Saturday, Tubert defeated Lisa McCloskey of Houston, 3 and 2, to secure the tournament title. "I look at the picture where I'm holding the championship trophy, but I still can't believe it," said Tubert, who just turned 18 last month and was playing in her first national-championship event.

DEBELL GOLF CLUB — With five area high school boys’ golf squads ready to compete in one of Southern California’s longest standing tournaments, all had the luxury of not having to travel a long distance. When teams from Crescenta Valley High, Glendale, Burbank, Burroughs and La Cañada arrived at DeBell Golf Club, many of the athletes were in top form to help lead their respective teams. One stood out above the rest in the field on a sun-splashed Wednesday afternoon.

Matt Kurihara might have graduated from Burbank High, but his influence is still being felt within the boys’ golf team. “Matt showed that hard work and dedication can lead to success,” Burbank Coach Frank Childress said. “He instilled that in the players who are still in the program, and they are showing that this season.” Kurihara, who is playing with UCLA’s practice squad, was an All-Area golfer last year after placing second in the Pacific League.

A rustic exterior and timeless California design are reasons DeBell Golf Course Clubhouse has received the runner-up title in the national clubhouse competition for public facilities presented by Golf Inc. Magazine. The city-owned facility, which was renovated and reopened in early 2009, was recognized for its Craftsman design and choice of materials that tie-in with the surrounding natural environment, said Judge Bryan Webb in the publication’s winter 2010 edition. The design was submitted to the magazine’s competition by the architect Mark Melzer, principal architect of Irvine-based Melzer Deckert Ruder Architects and Planners, said Scott Scozzola, director of golf at DeBell.