DiTullio ready to compete in NCAA individual finals

By Sean Green

Daily Bruin Contributor

Though the UCLA men’s golf team failed to qualify for a
spot in the NCAA Championships, they will still be sending a
representative.

Senior Brandon DiTullio tees off today in the individual
competition. His fifth place tie at the NCAA West Regionals earned
him the berth.

“I’d like to think I’m still representing the
team ““ I mean I’m out there carrying a UCLA bag.
That’s big, but mostly it’s an individual event,”
DiTullio said in a phone interview.

UCLA fell four strokes shy of reaching the prestigious
event.

The Grand National Golf Club in Opelika, Ala. will play host to
the nation’s best teams and individuals. It will be the
ultimate test for DiTullio in his final collegiate event.

But DiTullio is ready.

After a slight midseason struggle, he is back on his game. At
the Pac-10 Championships in Arizona, DiTullio came back from two
mediocre rounds to fire a final round four-under par 68 to climb
into a tie for 17th place.

Then at the NCAA West Regionals in Fresno, the qualifier for
nationals, he shot rounds of 69, 70, and 71 ““ the first time
all year DiTullio combined three sub-par rounds in a
tournament.

If his streak continues, the Bruins could be welcoming back a
victorious DiTullio this weekend. Don’t get too carried away
though, he says.

“The course looks like it’s playing pretty
difficult,” the nation’s 41st ranked golfer said.
“I’ve been on my game and 10 or 12 under par should be
in contention. That’s a possibility.”

UCLA head coach Brad Sherfy says that DiTullio is looking
sharp.

“He’s certainly capable of winning the
tournament,” Sherfy said. “It’s his last
tournament. He might as well go out with a bang.”

NCAA Championships is more than just a practice round and three
rounds of competition ““ something most golfers are familiar
with.

The week-long gala includes a barbeque, a black tie banquet, two
practice rounds, and a full 72-hole championship tournament.

The key is to remain focused throughout.

“Because my teammates aren’t here, I’m not
having as much fun as a normal event,” DiTullio said.
“But I’m working hard and staying focused despite the
lack of camaraderie.”

After the NCAA Championships, he flies to San Francisco for US
Open qualifying, but for now, DiTullio’s focus is in
Alabama.