MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State University men's golf team tees off their 2022 Fall Season on Monday and coach Hank Kim is excited to get the season underway. 
 
"I'm very excited for this season," said head coach Hank Kim. "The guys are playing well. I can't wait to see how well we do this year."
 
FALL SLATE
The Lakers open their season on Monday and Tuesday as they travel to the Bearcat Fall Invitational at Forest Hills GC in Augusta, Ga.  Then, on Monday, September 19^th through Tuesday, September 20^th, the Lakers play in the UNG Fall Invitational at Chattahoochee Golf Club in Gainesville, Ga. After playing in the Columbus State Cougar Invitational on September 26^th through the 27^th, they conclude their fall season at the Currahee Collegiate Invitational on October 24^th through the 25^th. 
 
POLLS AND RANKINGS
The Lakers start the fall season "receiving votes" in the first week of the Bushnell/Golfweek Division II Coaches Poll.  Clayton State is one of eight Peach Belt Conference Schools to appear in the first week of the Coaches Poll. 
 
KEY NEWCOMERS
Coach Kim returns six golfers from last season's team.  Leading the charge is senior Augusto Oliva.  Oliva finished tied for 10^th in the PBC Championships and averaged a score of 72.48 in 27 rounds.  He was also voted the team MVP from the 2021-22 season.  Also returning is senior Nico Cabello.  The PING All-Southeast region selection amassed a scoring average of 72.11 in 18 rounds played and tallied three rounds in the 60's.  Rounding out to the impactful newcomers was Daniel Medellin.  The Laker sophomore played in 27 rounds and averaged a score of 73 including carding 13 rounds above par. 
 
"Augusto [Oliva], Nico [Cabello], and Danny [Medellin] could have an unbelievable year," said Kim. "All three have had chances to win and I am hoping that experience can carry over to this year. Also, Sam [Hershoff] with a minor grip change, has really improved the quality of his shots and I would not be surprised if he won an event as well."
 
HUNGRY NEWCOMERS
Coach Kim brings in four newcomers, which are all transfers.  Leading the charge for the newcomers is Missouri Valley College (NAIA) transfer Felipe Gomez.  Gomez placed first in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championships in 2021 and earned Heart of America Men's Golfer of the Year honors in the same year. Jacobo Mancera also arrives to Clayton State after having success at Mercyhurst University.  In two seasons, Mancera averaged a score of 78 in 25 rounds.  Mancera's best round was in the 2^nd round in the PSAC Championships where he carded a 68, as a freshman.  Others include Old Dominion University transfer John Wang and Brewton-Parker College (NAIA) transfer Brandon Brown. 
 
"Felipe [Gomez] came in and immediately made the line-up," said Kim. "I knew he was going to be good after watching him play 3 holes and I would not be surprised if he won an event this year." 
 
FINAL THOUGHTS FROM COACH KIM
"The guys have tons of talent and will be working hard to make the top five," said Kim. "I am hoping to have a competitive year."
 
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