Liberty Ranch Golf Off to Impressive Season Start
Apr 01, 2026 11:07AM ● By MPG Staff
Hunter Rohner tees off while Matthew Bowling watches his shot track toward the green. Courtesy photos
GALT, CA (MPG) - The Liberty Ranch High School golf team has opened its 2026 season in strong form, showing early depth and consistency as it builds momentum for another competitive year.
Under Head Coach Brian Bowling and Assistant Coach Andy Petersen, the Hawks have leaned on preparation, accountability and steady improvement to establish an early rhythm. The program’s current success also builds on the foundation left by former head coach Mike Turpin, who retired after guiding Liberty Ranch to a league championship last season.
With a roster of 11 student-athletes representing all four grade levels, the Hawks golf team features a balance of experience.
Senior Aaron Sulamo anchors the group, while the junior class includes Hunter Rohner, Noah Garcia, Bryton Gibson, Ernie Lujan and Christian Maciel.
Matthew Bowling follows on the same hole, driving the ball down the middle of the fairway.
Sophomores Ryder Mort and Cason Welch are joined by freshmen Matthew Bowling, Brenner Dennis and Mason Montgomery, all of whom have contributed throughout the early season.
Liberty Ranch opened play Feb. 9 and was quickly tested in a large early-season tournament. Despite limited preparation time due to weather conditions, the Hawks finished in the top 10 out of 24 teams, an early sign of resilience following the departure of seven seniors from last year’s roster.
Since then, the team has compiled a 4-1 match record against league opponents. Rohner and Bowling have emerged as consistent leaders, frequently finishing first and second overall and setting the pace for the lineup.
On Monday, March 23, Liberty Ranch competed in the first of two league tournaments at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, facing all eight league opponents in a key event for postseason positioning. The Hawks delivered a dominant performance, finishing with a team score of 406; 37 strokes ahead of the field.
Rohner led the way with a round of 73, followed by Bowling at 78. Gibson, Lujan, Dennis and Welch also turned in their best rounds of the season, underscoring the team’s growing depth.
This team photo features the six players of the Liberty Ranch boy’s golf team, all of whom recorded season-low scores in their victory at the first of two full league tournaments. They earned a much-deserved rest after a very long day on the course and under the sun.
While only six players compete in league matches, the program emphasizes full-roster development. All 11 athletes contribute through daily practices, internal competition and match preparation, reinforcing a team-first culture built on accountability and continuous improvement.
The Hawks practice and compete at Woodbridge Golf & Country Club, where the program continues to refine its skills in a competitive setting.
With a strong start, consistent improvement and contributions across the roster, Liberty Ranch appears poised for a promising season. If early results are any indication, the Hawks have the talent and cohesion to make a postseason push while continuing the standard of excellence established under Turpin and carried forward by Bowling and Petersen.
