Tati Foor
Staff Writer
Jason Bustos picked up his first golf club in middle school. Now, the junior has transformed his casual beginning into a promising collegiate career that continues to reach new heights.
Bustos serves as a team captain for the University of La Verne men’s golf team, but began his golf journey in middle school when his father introduced him to the driving range.
“My dad has been everything for me for starting golf,” Bustos said. “He finally signed me up for my first tournament when I was 12. I played really bad, but from there on I got really hooked on the game.”
His early passion has evolved into consistent excellence at La Verne. This season, Bustos delivered his most impressive performance at the 2024 Bulldog Fall Invitational, shooting 12 under par across three days.
“I broke the 18-hole scoring record, broke the 36 hold scoring record, and then I tied the 54 hole scoring record,” Bustos said.
Bustos’ success stems from his unique approach to the game, combining his intelligence with strict attention to detail.
“He remembers every shot he hit,” Jay Wing, sophomore golfer said. “He can remember how he felt and what he was thinking for the shot.”
Wing explained that golf is a sport that takes a lot of concentration, and Jason excels at being able to concentrate and focus on multiple things simultaneously.
Head coach Nathalie Silva praised his growth during his three years playing on the golf team.
“He’s been a great example and leader to the team,” Silva said. “He’s also a great student, so I think he leads by example, and that’s what I appreciate about him.”
Graduate assistant coach Kyle Hazlett, who played alongside Bustos before joining the coaching staff, emphasized his work ethic.
“He takes it very seriously and has a lot of aspirations in golf,” Hazlett said. “He knows what it takes to be good and is willing to put the work in, which makes him very easily coachable.”
Bustos credits the team environment for his development.
“My game has come so much since being part of the team here,” Bustos said. “I’ve learned that golf isn’t just a swing, it’s also something you work on outside the course. You need to go to the gym, take care of yourself, and eat well just like any other sport.”
This season Bustos has seen significant improvement in his short game, specifically his putting.
“Historically I haven’t been the best putter,” Bustos said. “But this semester I was able to work on putting and chipping, which has led me to start draining some putts.”
His consistent performance earned him Second Team All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors and the opportunity to represent ULV at the NCAA Division III Championship tournament. As he prepares for this competition, Bustos remains focused on preparation rather than expectations.
“I don’t really have expectations for myself, but I’m going to try my best and work as hard as I can,” Bustos said. “My top goal is to get through the cut, and then obviously, after that, win the tournament.”
After La Verne, Bustos has his goals set on a professional career.
“After ULV, I’ll be playing in mini tour events, qualifiers, and city championships,” Bustos said. “My dream goal is to be on the PGA Tour.”
Silva said she believes he’s ready for that next step.
“His game is mature,” Silva said. “He’s shown maturity around the greens and with ball striking, and he’s hitting the ball pretty far. It’s just going to take some experience, but he’s ready for the big stage.”
Tati Foor can be reached at tatiana.foor@laverne.edu.
Tati Foor is a junior communications major with a concentration in public relations, and a staff writer for the Campus Times.
