The Corona del Mar boys golf team was a visitor on its home course.
Sanded greens at Newport Beach Country Club forced the Sea Kings’ Pacific Coast League match with University to be moved to the back nine, a side that Corona del Mar coach Mike Starkweather said he has rarely used in the 20 years he has been leading the team.
But the last nine holes were in pristine shape, so Starkweather felt he had little choice but to make the change and give up whatever advantage the Sea Kings had at the country club.
Corona del Mar sophomore Clay Seeber said it was a welcome change of pace. He seemed to have little trouble adapting, shooting a 2-under-par 34 to earn medalist honors and lead the Sea Kings to a 197-217 victory against the Trojans.
While the No. 2 Sea Kings (6-2, 3-0) remained undefeated in the Pacific Coast League, Starkweather was a bit disappointed with the result. The 197 was the second-highest score they have posted on their home course this season.
“We were playing pretty well until today,” Starkweather said. “They had never seen El Niguel (Country Club) before, and look what they did there.”
The Sea Kings posted a 186 to beat Aliso Niguel by 23 strokes.
“That was pretty darn good. We have to keep up that level of play,” he said.
The Sea Kings didn’t play that poorly Tuesday. Three of the their five scoring players broke 40 as Guy Clauss and Ryan Shih each added a 39. Seeber holed two birdies, both coming on the two par-5s on the back nine, and he has medaled in all but one match this season for the Sea Kings.
Connor O’Brien led the Trojans with an even-par 36.
“We do have good players this year. That is the bottom line. They all have experience,” Starkweather said.
Seeber, for example, has won four of his last seven starts on the Southern California PGA Junior Tour.
“And they have come together, not only here but in the classroom too,” Starkweather said, “and that keeps them focused.”
In other boys golf:
No. 5 Woodbridge 184, Northwood 193: Paul Sun carded a 1-under-par 34 on the front nine at Oak Creek Golf Club to lead the Warriors (4-2, 1-1) to a Pacific Coast League victory
No. 6 Beckman 201, Irvine 202: Andrew Liao medaled for the Vaqueros (5-2, 0-2), shooting an even-par 36 at Strawberry Frams Golf Course in the loss to the Patriots (3-2, 2-0).
No. 1 Servite 182, Foothill 196: Brendan Gonzalez led the Friars (13-0), finishing with a 1-under-par 35 at Tustin Ranch Golf Club in the nonleague victory.
Newport Harbor 185, Edison 203: Ethan Barnes fired a 2-under-par 33 at Costa Mesa County Club to help the Sailors (7-1, 5-1) win the Sunset League match.
No. 3 San Clemente 186, San Juan Hills 197: Alex Park posted a 2-under-par 34 for the Tritons (6-1) at Talega Golf Club in the nonleague victory.
