Pepperdine Golf Opens 2026 Season at Sahalee

Sammamish, Wash. — The morning air over Sahalee Country Club holds its breath before the first swing. At 7:03 a.m. Pacific Time, freshman Ayden Fynaut steps to the tee, his club tracing the stillness before the impact. The ball launches into the crisp Pacific Northwest sky, marking the official start of the 2026-27 season for Pepperdine men’s golf. The ranked No. 13 squad hits the ground running, aiming to convert early momentum into another West Coast Conference title.

This opening stretch is more than a test of distance; it is a declaration of intent. The Waves face a stacked field of eleven opponents, including powerhouses like Duke, Florida, and UCLA. The course stretches just over 7,000 yards, a par-72 layout that demands precision as much as power. With 54 holes of stroke play ahead, the pressure is immediate. As reported by GN sports/golf (en-US), the program enters this weekend with high stakes and a roster blending fresh talent with seasoned leadership.

New Faces Join the Roster

Fynaut is one of four newcomers reshaping the team’s dynamic. He joins fellow freshmen Luke Ringkamp and Kailer Stone, bringing youthful energy to the lineup. The group also welcomes Antoine Jasmin, who signed as a transfer from Oregon State on June 9. Jasmin brings a competitive edge, having led the Beavers in the spring WCC Championships where Pepperdine ultimately claimed the crown. His presence adds depth to the back of the field, ensuring the Waves have options when the course demands different skills.

The integration of these players happens against a backdrop of strong continuity. Five returning athletes, including Oscar Bach and Byungho Lee, provide stability. The loss of only two key players from last year’s roster means the core structure remains intact. This balance allows the new faces to learn the rhythm of the course while the veterans manage the pressure of high-expectation environments. The synergy between experience and raw talent defines this season’s competitive edge.

Willy Walsh Leads the Charge

At the heart of the lineup stands Willy Walsh. The San Mateo native enters the season with a reputation forged by a career year as a junior. His average of 70.47 speaks to a consistency that rivals across the nation respect. Walsh’s performance earned him a spot on the Haskins Award Preseason Watch List and a recognition as a Golfweek All-American. His ranking of 10th in the PGA Tour University standings underscores his standing among the elite collegiate players.

Walsh’s impact extends beyond individual statistics. He led the team with six top-10 finishes and nine top-20 results last season. His ability to perform under pressure makes him the anchor for Pepperdine’s strategy. As the team seeks a third consecutive WCC title, his steady hand provides the confidence needed to navigate a challenging field. His presence on the course is a stabilizing force for the entire squad.

Pursuing a Historic Triple Crown

The goals for this campaign are clear and ambitious. Pepperdine aims to defend its WCC title for the third time in a row. Last spring, the team also secured its first-ever NCAA Regional victory, propelling them to the NCAA Championships for the 15th time in program history. This momentum carries into the new season, with the team looking to build on that historic breakthrough. The path to success begins at Sahalee, where every stroke counts toward a larger legacy.

After the weekend at Sahalee, the focus shifts to Olympia Fields, Illinois. The team will travel for the three-day Fighting Illini Invitational, testing their endurance against a different set of challenges. The journey from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest highlights the demanding schedule of collegiate golf. Each event serves as a building block, refining the team’s cohesion and sharpening their competitive edge. The season is just beginning, but the standards are already set high.