It was a promising start to the 2018-19 for the Chaminade University men's golf team. However the end, not so much.
The losses of several key team members prior the start of the championship season led to lower than desired results in the spring.
But through the adversity, the Silverswords persevered and showed a lot of promise for 2020.
Jeren Nishimoto (Honolulu/Kaiser) posted a team-low 77.44 shots per round, the second time in three years he has been the 'Swords' low-scorer for the year, a feat he also accomplished as a freshman in 2017. He also won his first career tournament, posting a career-low 4-under-par 68 in a dual match against Hawai'i Pacific University at Leilehua Golf Course on Oct. 16. Nishimoto's feat also tied the school record for the lowest 18-hole round.
Fellow junior
Desmond Mello (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/University of Hawai'i-Manoa/Moanalua HS) had a successful debut year as a Silversword after transferring from Hawai'i and was a model of consistency throughout the year. Mello put together his finest performance of the season at the season-ending Pacific West Conference Championships in Litchfield Park, Ariz. He was just two shots off the lead for individual title heading into the final round before falling out of contention.
Sophomores
Colby Gunderson (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Castle) and
Patrick Tran (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Capistrano Connections Academy) both had their share of moments particularly during the conference championships when each had rounds in the 70s.
Finally,
Curtis Coburn (Huntington Beach, Calif./Huntington Beach) came over from the men's soccer team during the winter break to become the team's fifth golfer. The two-time All-PacWest defender on the pitch played admirably in his first year for the golf program and saw his scores improve as the season progressed.
With a promising recruiting class headed to the team for the coming year, the Silverswords have the potential to make noise next season.
