Ma and Gay Card High 10 Finishes, Gauchos End Tied for Fourth

LA QUINTA, Calif. — The UC Santa Barbara Golf crew tied for fourth place on the 2026 Big West Men’s Golf Championship with a crew rating of 871 (+7) at La Quinta Country Club. Dylan Ma led the Gauchos with a tie for seventh individually, capturing a remaining spherical 68 (-4) to complete at 212 (-4) general.
 
FROM HEAD COACH CHRIS MASSOLETTI
“It was definitely not our best out there this week,” mentioned Massoletti. “We had a lot of unforced errors throughout the three rounds that led to some bogeys and doubles. But I’m very proud of how they kept pushing and grinding and got better every round. Having the second-lowest score of the day [in round three] was a great way to finish the season and climb up the leaderboard. We had really good rounds from Dylan and Ryan, both secured top 10 finishes. Honestly, it’s our best finish here in a long time and we’re returning four of our starters, so I’m very optimistic about the trajectory of the program. I am proud of what we’re doing here and really proud of the guys we have. Go Gauchos!”
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After opening with rounds of 295 (+7) and 292 (+4), the crew improved considerably within the remaining spherical, capturing 284 (-4). This surge helped it match Hawaii and UC San Diego within the standings. Dylan Ma performed a pivotal position, tying for seventh individually with a remaining rating of 212 (-4), highlighted by a robust remaining spherical of 68 (-4).
 
Ryan Gay additionally delivered a notable efficiency, tying for tenth with a complete of 214 (-2). His remaining spherical mirrored Ma’s, posting a 68 (-4) to climb up the leaderboard. Nick Waldock completed tied for twenty third, carding a 220 (+4), persistently capturing 73 (+1) and 74 (+2) in his rounds. Jack Watters and Andrew Reyes rounded out the crew scores, with Watters tying for thirty fourth and Reyes ending forty seventh.
 
Dylan Ma led UC Santa Barbara with a robust efficiency, tying for seventh with a complete rating of 212 (-4). Ma improved every spherical, beginning with a 74 (+2) and culminating in a remaining spherical of 68 (-4), showcasing consistency all through the event. Ryan Gay additionally delivered a notable efficiency, tying for tenth with a rating of 214 (-2). Gay’s remaining spherical mirrored Ma’s with a 68 (-4), highlighting his potential to complete sturdy. Nick Waldock rounded out the highest performers for UC Santa Barbara, tying for twenty third with a rating of 220 (+4), sustaining a gradual course with rounds of 73 (+1) and 74 (+2) earlier than ending with one other 73 (+1).
 
NOTABLES

• This is the Gauchos’ finest end since a fourth-place end within the 2018-19 season.
• For the second straight season, Dylan Ma completed within the prime 10 of the occasion.
• Ryan Gay polished off his profession with a prime 10 end after climbing 13 spots in the present day with a two-under efficiency.

 
IN CONCLUSION
The Gauchos have improved yearly within the postseason underneath Massoletti, culminating in a fourth-place end for the 2026 Spring Season.