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54th Annual Jim Stovesand Memorial Golf Tournament

6/8/2026

Rowena Cortina, Golf Tournament Coordinator

The 54th Annual Bishop Diego Golf Tournament was a fabulous success as Bishop Diego Alumni, friends, and staff took over Glen Annie Golf Course. Gray skies greeted our players at the start, but if anything, that just meant cooler temperatures and zero sun squinting on the backswing. A little overcast? Please. These golfers were fired up ready to bring the sunshine to their game. The sun broke through and lit up the course in style. One hundred and forty-four golfers showed up ready to make birdies, bogeys, and memories, all in support of Bishop Diego students. We continue to honor the late Jim Stovesand for his faithful commitment to this incredible event.

Highlights from the Fairway

Where to begin? Let's start with putting with marshmallows. Yes, you read that right. Apparently regulation golf balls were deemed too easy, and a little extra fluffiness never hurt anyone's short game. The focus on players' faces as they lined up those marshmallow putts were absolutely priceless.

Our Varsity Boys Golf Team was on hand to challenge players, and let's just say they didn't take it easy on anyone. There's something humbling and wonderful about getting out-driven by a teenager, and our guests took it all in great stride.

Mingling with Bishop Diego teachers and staff throughout the round added that special community feel that makes this tournament so much more than just a golf outing. A pizza cheer on the 10th hole? Brilliantly performed.

Hole 9: Michael Sorocco Sr. stepped up and hit a shot so close to the flag that $3,000 was practically waving hello. It kissed the flag. It teased the flag. It did everything but drop in the hole. Next year Michael, next year.

Tournament Champions

When the final scores were tallied, four names rose to the top of the leaderboard with a score of 51:

Tom Ochsner | James Ochsner | Murphy Scott | Mark Easterbrook

Congratulations to these gentlemen on a stellar round. May your handicaps stay humble and your trophy shelf grow.

Best Dressed — The Green Shirt Gang

Everyone knows that golf is 40% skill and 60% looking great on the course. Claiming the coveted Best Dressed honors in their impeccably coordinated green shirts were:

Austin Chrestenson | Gabe Martinez | Alex Gonzalez | Carlos Uribe

Green never looked so good. These four proved that on the links, style is absolutely a sport.

Thank You to Our Incredible Sponsors

None of this happens without the extraordinary generosity of our sponsors, whose support makes a direct difference in the lives of Bishop Diego students. From the bottom of our hearts — and from every tee box — thank you:

Legacy Sponsor: Our Anonymous Legacy Sponsor

Cardinal Sponsor: The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation

Red Bird Sponsors: David & Louise Borgatello, Crescent Grove Advisors, Marborg, and Lash Construction

Red Bird Sponsors: Community West, John Gherini ‘64, Tom Gherini ‘69, John G. Gherini ‘95, Paul Gherini ‘09, Law Office of Cristi Michelon Vasquez, Reicker Pfau, Surface Fx, Matt & Kerri Boeddeker, Visionary Solutions, Riviera Law Group, PC, Craig Roof Co, The Eliassen Family.

As the sun set on another unforgettable day, one thing was clear: the 54th Annual Bishop Diego Golf Tournament was more than a round of golf. It was a community coming together, laughing, competing, cheering, and giving all for the students who make Bishop Diego the extraordinary place it is.

To every golfer, volunteer, sponsor, teacher, staff member, and everyone who helped make this year such a success, THANK YOU. See you on the course on May 7, 2027. Don't forget to work on that short game.

Go Cardinals!

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