Southern California golfers once again showed out in a big way for the latest round of GHIN Challenges, the USGA’s nationwide virtual competition series that lets golfers test their game against players from across the country just by posting a regular round in the GHIN app.
Here’s how it works: throughout the year, the SCGA will select a handful of courses to host a GHIN Challenge. Members who tee it up at one of those locations can opt into the Challenge, post their score as usual through GHIN, and instantly join a live leaderboard of golfers playing the same 18 holes. No special registration, tee times, or entry fees required.
The concept is simple: play your round, post your score, and see how you stack up. Players must post a minimum of three rounds at the participating course in order to qualify for the leaderboard. Whether you’re chasing net birdies or simply enjoying a day on the course, GHIN Challenges are a fun new way to bring out a little friendly competition during every round.
From the coast to the foothills, SCGA members teed it up at some of Southern California’s most iconic public tracks during the October session (Oct. 6 – 31), with hundreds of golfers logging rounds and vying for leaderboard bragging rights. Whether it was chasing birdies under the palm trees at San Clemente, threading fairways at Goose Creek, or rolling putts in the ocean breeze at Coronado, the competition stayed tight all the way to the final day.
Here’s how the SoCal leaderboard stacked up this round:
| Course | Participants | Champion and Net Score |
|---|---|---|
| San Clemente Golf Club | 119 | Abhi Dubey (-8) |
| Skylinks at Long Beach | 107 | Brian McNulty (-9) |
| Encinitas Ranch GC | 89 | Gregory Lampe (-5) |
| Los Verdes GC | 88 | Casey Quesnell (-8) |
| Coronado GC | 83 | Bob Podoloff (-8) |
| Los Robles Greens GC | 75 | John Mitchell (-7) |
| Olivas Links | 62 | Mike Metier (+4) |
| Santa Barbara GC | 53 | Maggie McMillan (-6) |
| Tustin Ranch GC | 39 | Tony Anderson (-1) |
| Brookside #2 (E.O. NAY) | 28 | Karma Ghale (-3) |
| Goose Creek GC | 14 | Greg Cumming (+7) |
In total, 750+ golfers across Southern California took part in this latest GHIN Challenge cycle, continuing to prove that the Golden State is home to one of the most active and passionate golf communities in the country.
The next GHIN Challenge series is right around the corner. Keep an eye on your GHIN app for upcoming challenges across the region. Participation is free, and every round you post counts toward your standing on the leaderboard. Plus, it’s a great excuse to explore new courses with your golf crew.