Corona del Mar’s Alyaa Abdulghany has her sights on a bigger prize, so winning the Pacific Coast League girls golf championship for the second season in a row Thursday hardly drew a response.
For three years she has been a member of the varsity team, and the junior has yet to make it to the CIF State championship. She is out to change that this fall.
“That is my priority for high school golf right now,” Abdulghany said. “I have to make it this year.”
With the way she’s playing, she might do more than just qualify for the prestigious tournament. She might win it.
Abdulghany was the only player in the Pacific Coast League championship field to post back-to-back rounds in the 60s at San Clemente Municipal Golf Course. She finished the 36-hole tournament with a 9-under 137.
She opened the tournament with a 5-under 68 Tuesday and shared the first-round lead with senior teammate Amy Matsuoka.
“We are obviously friends,” Abdulghany said, “but when we come to the course we want to win. It feels good to continue the streak (at the PCL finals).”
Abdulghany closed with a 4-under 69, putting her four shots clear of Matsuoka, who posted a 71 in the final round.
“I am pretty happy, I guess, with second place,” Matsuoka said, “but I could have made a few more putts.”
Ellen Takada (Univesity) carded an even-par 146 to place third, and Cameron Lee (Beckman) and Yuki Yoshihara (Woodbridge) rounded out the top five, shooting a 149 and 150, respectively.
