Aug. 27, 2008

In the preseason GolfWorld Coaches Poll announced Wednesday, the UCLA golf programs are ranked first and second nationally.

Fresh from its first NCAA title in 20 years, the men's team earned the top preseason ranking for the first time in 24 years. The Bruins return three players from last year's championship fivesome and six lettermen overall. Add to the mix five players who comprise one of the nation's best recruiting classes.

"We love being ranked No.1," said Head Coach Derek Freeman. "It is exactly where we hope and expect to be ranked. We're trying to be the very best. That's what motivates us."

The men's team begins its season at the Fighting Illini Invitational, Sept 19.

The women's team was voted No.2 by the coaches, and returns its entire NCAA Tournament lineup, including consensus All-Americans Tiffany Joh and Maria Jose Uribe. Two highly regarded freshmen will join the Bruins in the fall: Stephanie Kono, one of the country's top ranked junior players, and Brianna Do, a 2007 AJGA All-American.

The women's team begins its season in Japan at the Topy Cup, Sept. 9.