The University of California, Los Angeles mens golf program announced the signing of high school seniors Ajax LaNasa and Jacob Watney to grants-in-aid for the 2027-28 academic year. The news was confirmed by Bruins head coach Armen Kirakossian on November 11, 2026.
Ajax LaNasa, from Palm Beach, Florida, attends Oxbridge Academy, where he was the 2025 Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1A Region 4 individual champion with a 5-under 66. He also helped lead Oxbridge Academy to the 2024 FHSAA Class 1A Boys Team State Championship, the first state title in any sport for the school.
Jacob Watney of Clovis, California, attends Buchanan High School. Watney has two victories on the Junior Tour of Northern California and won the boys’ division of the 2026 Mizuno West Coast Classic. He also earned top-five finishes at American Junior Golf Association events including The Mission Club and Copper River.
Coach Kirakossian highlighted LaNasa’s strong passion for UCLA and self-belief as key attributes. Regarding Watney, the coach noted his competitive drive and rapid improvement, indicating both players will be important additions to the Bruins at Westwood next fall. LaNasa remarked that attending UCLA has been a dream since childhood, and Watney expressed excitement about competing under the reigning Coach of the Year.
CSB Take
The additions of Ajax LaNasa and Jacob Watney strengthen the University of California, Los Angeles mens golf roster with two accomplished high school standouts. LaNasa brings championship experience and a strong affinity for the program, while Watneys recent successes underscore his potential at the collegiate level. Their recruitment bodes well for continued growth and competitiveness of UCLAs golf team in the coming season.
Source: Original report
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