The San Diego State University Aztecs men’s golf team will open the 2026 season with consecutive tournaments in September, beginning with the Sahalee Players Championship on September 12-13 in Sammamish, Washington. Immediately following, the team will return to Southern California for the Vuori Invitational on September 14-15 at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
This marks the first time the Aztecs have played two back-to-back tournaments with the same starting five without a day off in between. The Sahalee Players Championship is a 54-hole event played over two days on a par-72, 7,003-yard course at Sahalee Country Club. The 12-team field includes top-ranked programs such as No. 1 Florida, No. 3 Oklahoma State, and No. 4 Arizona State, among others. San Diego State is receiving votes in the preseason Bushnell/Golfweek Division I Collegiate Poll.
Head coach Ryan Donovan, in his 24th season leading the Aztecs, has selected a starting lineup led by junior Harry Takis from Brisbane, Australia. Takis was a first-team All-American in 2025-26, Mountain West Golfer of the Year, and set the program record with a 69.23 scoring average over 30 rounds. He finished sixth nationally in the final computer ratings and represented the Internationals at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup.
The lineup includes juniors Lequan Wang (San Mateo, California), who transferred from UC Davis; Kai Hirayama (Arcadia, California); sophomore Beau Sahr (Eagle, Idaho); and freshman Brayden Forte (Aurora, Colorado). Freshman Miles Kuhl (Boulder, Colorado) will compete as an individual. The Aztecs previously tied for fifth at last year’s Sahalee Players Championship with Takis finishing second individually. Hirayama also competed last year, tying for 41st place.
The Vuori Invitational features 12 teams including ranked programs No. 10 Arkansas and No. 23 Brigham Young. It will be held at the historic Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, known for its challenging layout and walkability. The Aztecs will utilize the same lineup for this tournament.
San Diego State is scheduled to conclude its fall campaign at the William H. Tucker Intercollegiate in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 25-26.
CSB Take
San Diego State’s decision to begin the season with back-to-back tournaments without rest days underlines the depth and resilience of the men’s golf team, led by standout junior Harry Takis. Facing top-ranked opponents early will provide a clear measure of the Aztecs’ competitiveness heading into the season. The rigorous schedule will test their stamina and focus, setting a foundational tone for a demanding fall campaign.
Source: Original report
