FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State men's golf program stands on tradition, hard work and brotherhood. It has since its inaugural season in 1959 and the Bulldogs' 2024-'25 roster includes a number of connections to the program's past, as legacies look to uphold that tradition and make their own mark on the golf course and the program.
There's James Watney, the grandson of legendary Fresno State golf coach Mike Watney, son of Josh Watney and cousin of Nick Watney, both former Bulldogs' golfers. Jake and Chris Bettencourt are the sons of three-time All-American Jon Bettencourt.
Coach Chad Spencer and assistant coach Lane Pulliam, both Fresno State alumni, take a lot of pride in upholding the program's tradition.
"There is a deep love for Fresno State golf with all of our families and especially those with the last name of Watney and Bettencourt," said Spencer, who was a four-year letterwinner and All-Western Athletic Conference selection in 2004. "As many know, we go way back in our program's history with these families and they have contributed so much to the overall success of the program."
Spencer took over the program in 2013 after the retirement of legendary coach Mike Watney, who in 35 seasons produced 29 All-Americans and led the Bulldogs to 25 NCAA Championship appearances with three Top 10 finishes. In 2007, he was inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame.
Jon Bettencourt was one of those All-Americans, and this season will see that legacy live on in his sons Jake and Chris. Jake Bettencourt, a senior, has played in 13 tournaments for the Bulldogs. Last season, he suffered a season-ending injury at the first tournament. During his junior campaign, he played in eight tournaments, amassing a 73.78 scoring average.
"It means so much to me and my family to play for Fresno State, said Jake Bettencourt. "I grew up a Bulldog fan, attending Fresno State sporting events as a kid. I always thought about how cool it would be to play for Fresno State and wear that Bulldog on your chest just like my dad did. Especially being from the Valley, it was always a dream of mine to play for this program and this university. Now, having Chris join our team this fall makes us a legacy family. I am so excited to take on this upcoming season with Chris and the rest of the team. The opportunity to play with my younger brother is something I won't take for granted and I can't wait to get this season going."
Chris joins the Fresno State program this fall, following a standout career at Buchanan High School.
"I decided to choose Fresno State because I love the boys on the team, and when my Dad played at Fresno State, they were one of the best teams in the country," said Chris. "I want to help Fresno State get back to that. Playing with my brother at such a high level will be something I'll always remember. It will make our college experience unique because not everyone gets to play with their brother at the collegiate level."
The Watney name is simply synonymous with Fresno State golf. Josh Watney led the Bulldogs in eagles in 1997-'98, and has a collegiate tournament victory on his resume. Nick Watney is the most decorated golfer in program history, a three-time All-American who has played professionally for more than 20 years with 10 career victories including five on the PGA Tour.
James Watney now gets this chance at Fresno State, returning home after spending his freshman season at Saint Mary's, where in six tournaments he had a 73.6 stroke average and recorded two Top 30 finishes for the Gaels.
The Bettencourt brothers and Watney aren't the first Fresno State legacies to be successful in the program. Matthew Sutherland just wrapped his career as a Bulldog, leaving the program with his name etched in the record book numerous times. Sutherland, a two-time All-Mountain West selection, ranks within the top-10 of every statistical category.
His father David Sutherland and uncle Kevin Sutherland were All-Americans under Mike Watney in the 1980s.
"We look forward to the continued success of great Bulldogs and their sons here at Fresno State," said Spencer. "Go Dogs!"