The Fresno State men’s golf team continues to pass the torch to the next generation. From former players to legendary coaches, this year’s team has connections to them all.

The 2024-25 roster has multiple legacy players looking to build upon the winning culture their family members left behind.

“It gives us something to strive for; to be like who came before us at Fresno State,” said freshman Chris Bettencourt.

Chris and his older brother Jake are no strangers to family legacy. 

They are the sons of a former All-American golfer who is in the Fresno State record books.

Their father, Jon, had a successful collegiate career as a Bulldog. Jon was named the most valuable freshman in 1993 as well as the team’s MVP twice, in 1995 and 1996.

Jake says it was his dad who got him into the sport.

“I realized that golf was for me around 13 and got in through my dad,” Jake said. “It’s just a fun way for us to all go out and have fun as a family.”

Having a father that has the knowledge of golf at the collegiate level has helped both brothers learn more about a game that is full of ups and downs.

“He taught us to fall forward and to stay positive and keep going,” Chris said.

Both brothers got into golf around the same time, allowing them to share lifelong memories during their rounds together.

“We played one at Spyglass [Hill Golf Course in Pebble Beach] that was really fun,” Jake said. “That’s probably the best memory with Chris.”

The Bettencourt brothers are no strangers to competing on the same team. The two got to play together when they were both at Buchanan High School.

With Chris now joining his brother at Fresno State this year, the two get another chance to make new memories.

“Playing at such a high level with my brother is a great experience I get to enjoy with him,” Chris said.

Despite being a freshman, Chris has already begun making an impact on the team.

In September, Chris won the Southern Dunes title, becoming the second Bulldog ever to win their opening tournament.

“It’s pretty impressive and no one was more happy for him than I was,” Jake said.

The Fresno State family tradition also carries on with James Watney, whose family has a deep connection with the Valley.

James is in his first season as a Bulldog, after spending his freshman year at St. Mary’s College. He is now back at the school where many Watney’s made their mark.

“Being able to wear my name proudly and represent Fresno State and my family is really special to me,” James said.

James’ father, Josh, is a former Bulldog golfer that has a collegiate tournament win under his belt. 

James’ grandfather Mike is a graduate of Fresno State and was the longtime head coach of the men’s golf team. During his coaching career, Mike helped bring in multiple conference championships and was honored with Conference Coach of the Year many times. 

Mike was also inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame in 2007.

James’ cousin, Nick, is a professional golfer who holds multiple school records, including most wins in a season and lowest season scoring average, both for the 2002-3 season.

“Both those guys are really impressive in what they’ve done for Fresno State,” Chris said. “It’s something elite and they left their mark here on the men’s golf team.”

Fresno State plays host to an important tournament every year, not just for the ‘Dogs but for the Watney family. 

The Nick Watney Invitational is the Bulldogs’ home tournament. Formerly known as the Fresno State Classic, it was renamed after the Fresno State alumnus in 2014.

”It’s an honor to have the tournament named after him and we need to go out and win it this spring for him,” Jake said. “It’s been a while since the ‘Dogs have won it.”

With some extra motivation, the Bulldogs will look to contend at the Nick Watney Invitational when they host the tournament on Feb. 24-25.