In the midst of a remarkable season, aspiring PGA golfer Jonny Hogan is leading the way for a City College men’s golf team that is having its best season since 2009.
With an average score of 73.14, Hogan sits at second in the Western State Conference. The 20-year-old sophomore from Solvang has medaled in five tournaments so far, the most in Vaquero history.
“He’s a tremendous player, probably the best player I’ve ever had if you look at his average score,” said head coach Melendez. “I think he has won the most tournaments too.”
Hogan has played golf since age 4, when his grandfather bought him his first set of clubs. With training from Jim Flick, who practiced with golf legend Jack Nicklaus, combined with great support from his grandfather and his first golf coach Bruce Hamilton, Hogan’s success has put him on track to one day compete on the PGA Tour.
“I’ve been very lucky and privileged to have all these people in my life,” Hogan said. “They have been a great influence and taught me a lot.”
While growing up in Santa Barbara, Hogan has always had an eye on City College. He chose the school because of its excellent reputation and the opportunity to transfer to university. He has received a scholarship offer from at least one 4-year school, but has not committed so far.
In Santa Barbara there are definitely a lot of distractions, and Hogan runs a tight schedule. When he has time off he likes to watch sports, work out and hang out with his friends like most other students.
“I like working out and occasionally I go out with my friends,” Hogan said. “I like the beach, especially with all the women.”
Hogan credits his coach with much of the team’s success. According to Hogan, Melendez is a great coach who brings the whole team together into one strong unit.
“He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had. He’s never up or down, he’s always there and the things he does for the team is unbelievable,” Hogan said. “He brings us breakfast burritos and Gatorades and he really is on the top of his game.”
Hogan will compete again at 7 a.m. on Monday, April 20 at Olivas Links golf course in Ventura. He is aiming to win there and he will not stop after that.
“Goals this year is to win state,” Hogan said. “Both individually and with the team.”
This article originally contained misinformation. It has been updated to contain the correct info.
