The boys golf team (2-0-0, 0-0-0) entered preseason in full swing.
The Mariners may rule the sea, but the Warriors dominated the ground in a blowout match 198-245 March 1.
The Warriors’ approach shots netted the team multiple pars to edge out the competition. Senior Jetty Sivongsay medalled the match with an overall score of 38, scoring two birdies and four pars. Co-captain Paul Khang trailed closely behind with 39 strokes and seven pars. Freshman
Alan Pham snagged a birdie and five pars to also post a score of 39. Co-captain Mitchell Sima and senior Alex Makimoto both scored 41, while co-captain Trevor Talbert brought up the rear with 46 strokes. Although the Warriors scored above their usual handicap, they still easily dominated the Mariners, whose best player scored a 43.
While their approach shots were at near-perfect accuracy, the Warriors stumbled with their tee shots and putting. The boys frequently landed in roughs and hazards multiple times throughout the game, partially attributed to the windy weather and Hacienda’s narrow course. Many of the
golfers also missed easy birdies and pars with faulty putts, which considerably shortened the point gap. Nevertheless, the Warriors controlled their shots more precisely than the Mariners and ended the game with 47 fewer strokes.
According to senior Alex Makimoto, the team is planning to hone its putting accuracy to prepare for future opponents.
“We struggled a lot with the tough pin placements throughout the course,” Makimoto said. “We will practice making putts to difficult pins in order to gain a bigger advantage against our upcoming opponents.”
Coach Jerry Cowgill added that the golfers need to work on their tee shots to perform more consistently on the course.
“I saw a lot of tee shots in trouble,” Cowgill said. “I will let them work out their own problems. I will talk to them about how they managed their game around course and the decisions they made that could have been better.”
As the Warriors move on to matches against Freeway League teams, they plan to defend their league championship title. The team also hopes to advance to California Interstate Federation playoffs. Despite small mistakes made during the match against Marina, the team has high ambitions for the season, Cowgill said.
“This team has a chance to do something special this year because they [have] great senior leadership and some good young players too,” Cowgill added. “They all get along and like each other, so I am excited about what we can do.”