The 2024-25 season was one to remember for the Paly boys’ golf team. For the first time in school history, the team qualified for the CIF State Championship and placed third overall at the Northern California Championships. With a talented and experienced roster, the Vikings’ season was full of success.

“We knew from the beginning this was going to be our year,” junior Dylan Liao said. “We believed in our abilities and kept improving, being a part of this run to states was something I’ll never forget.”

The team carried that confidence throughout the season, overcoming tough competition and navigating a challenging schedule to prove they belonged among the best in the state. Many of the players had been competing together for years, and their strong chemistry showed on the course. 

Throughout the regular season, the Vikings remained focused and consistent. They secured many important wins over other competitors and were undefeated during league play for a majority of the season. Each match brought new challenges, but the team continued to step up and perform under pressure.

“We came into this season knowing that our team was going to have the strongest roster we ever have had,” senior Ryan Chang said. “Although we had the burden of never making it past CCS, I think everybody was confident we would make it further than we ever have—whether it was Norcals or States.”

As the season was coming to an end, things became increasingly difficult. Scheduling conflicts and school events made it tough to get their full starting lineup at every match. This made it harder for them to claim their league championship, and the pressure began to build.

“Towards the end of the season, our scheduling became tricky—not always getting our strongest roster out to finish securing our league championship,” Chang said. “But after we beat Gunn during our last match of the season, we regained the confidence we needed going into CCS.”

That final win gave the team the momentum it needed for the postseason. At the CCS Championship, the team played smart, stayed consistent, and advanced to the next round. Then, at NorCals, the Vikings pulled off one of their best performances yet, finishing in third place overall and qualifying for states for the first time in school history.

This season was not only full of accomplishments for Paly golf but also left a memorable legacy—one that future teams will aim to match.