SAN JACINTO – For the first time, the crack of a driver and the gentle thud of a ball dropping into a cup signaled a new tradition in the San Jacinto Valley. San Jacinto High School hosted its inaugural Girls’ Match Play Golf Tournament on Sept. 24 and 25, marking a significant moment for local girls’ golf.
The tournament, held at the Golden Era Golf Course, brought together student-athletes from five area high schools: La Quinta, San Jacinto, Liberty, Lake Elsinore and Hemet.
For years, San Jacinto High School golf coach Jim Stull has successfully organized an annual boys’ match play event. Inspired by its positive impact, he decided it was time to create a parallel opportunity for female golfers. The response was enthusiastic.
Parents, coaches and spectators lined the fairways to watch the competition unfold. The event utilized a match play format, a one-on-one style of play where each hole is a separate contest. This differs from the more common stroke play, where the winner is determined by the lowest total score over the entire round. Match play demands strategy, mental toughness and direct competition.
“This worked out so well,” Stull said. “The girls got a lot of golf and enjoyed themselves. In match play, coaches can be on the course with the players, offering direct support and strategy.”
The format also allowed for some unique and personal touches. “One player from Elsinore even had her boyfriend as a caddie—it added a fun and personal element to the event,” Stull added.
The sentiment was shared by other coaches. San Jacinto’s assistant coach noted the value of the experience. “This is great experience for the girls to come together to play. With this type of play, even lower-level players get a sense of what it’s like to compete.”
Liberty High’s head coach agreed. “It’s a lot of fun. The girls are used to stroke play, so this is new for them. But after two or three rounds, they really start to get the hang of it.”
Parents also appreciated the new format. Nathan Wheelock, father of participant Trinity Wheelock, found the experience valuable. “I like this very much. It’s unique. It gives kids who are used to stroke play a chance to try something new. You can have one bad hole and still win the match—that’s a good learning experience.”
La Quinta coach Mark Williams explained his motivation for bringing his team. He pointed to the lasting effect the boys’ version of the tournament has had on his players. “The boys who played last year still talk about it and want to come back,” Williams said. “That’s why I brought our girls this year—to give them that same experience.”
Community support was a key component of the event’s success. “Golden Era doesn’t charge us to use the course, which is huge,” Stull explained. He mentioned that a small entry fee collected from the teams goes directly toward supporting the San Jacinto girls’ golf program. Lunch for the competitors was provided by the Hemet Sportsman Club.
The tournament concluded with winners recognized in two divisions. In the Championship Division, for the highest skill level, Joanna Bushnel-Crist took first place, and Trinity Wheelock earned second place. In the Silver Division, Priscilla Guillen finished in first place, with Audrey Tranley taking second.
Looking ahead, Stull confirmed the Boys’ Match Play Tournament is tentatively scheduled for February 2026 at the Golden Era Golf Course. For more information about future events, interested parties can contact the San Jacinto High School golf coach.
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