Men’s golf to showcase Guatemalan talent

By Mariana Rodas | gargoyle@flagler.edu

A new Guatemalan golfer, Sebastian Barnoya, has joined the Flagler men’s golf team this year.

A three-time Guatemalan National Champion and former member of the Guatemalan golf team that won the Central America Championship this year, Barnoya said his commitment for the next four years is to achieve his main goal: win the national championship title.

Barnoya, 18, has been playing golf for 11 years and his handicap is +3. Next week, he will represent Guatemala in the World Amateur Golf Championship in Antalya, Turkey.

Golf has opened many doors for the Guatemalan, including the opportunity of being part of Flagler College golf team.

Barnoya said he came to Flagler because of his coach in Guatemala City who introduced him to Flagler’s golf coach, Santiago Cavanagh. After watching Barnoya play, Cavanagh offered him a scholarship.

Barnoya has academic goals, as well as golf. He aims to achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the next four years in Flagler. But his main aim is to participate in the nationals for the next four years individually and as a team.

“Our goal as a team is to be national champions,” Barnoya said.

Along with Barnoya, there are five new freshmen joining the golf team. He said he feels pretty confident about the team this year.

¨I think we can make a great thing for Flagler. We know that with commitment and hard work we can achieve the national championship,” Barnoya said.

“I am very happy here in Flagler, excited about the golf program and thankful of being part of Flagler’s golf team,” Barnoya said.