A CIF-qualifying score on a par-35 golf course such as the one at Hacienda Country Club is 205, and during one 13-year span, Troy coach Jerry Cowgill said the Warriors reache that threshold twice.
My, how times have changed.
Posting a score like that this season is considered a bad day for the Warriors.
“We used to really struggle. We could never do it. It used to be a real problem,” Cowgill said. “But what I love about the team that we have now is the five guys can medal on any given day. It is fun to see that. Not just one guy is carrying the team.”
On Tuesday, it was Connor Nelson’s turn to lead the Warriors in a round which not only blitzed the CIF-qualifying standard but also set a school record at Hacienda CC, Troy’s home course.
He birdied two holes on the front nine to card a 1-under-par 34, helping Troy beat Freeway League rival La Habra, 187-248.
The 187 is the lowest posted by the Warriors at Hacienda, eclipsing the 189 that they posted in beating Buena Park a year ago.
“Our team has come together pretty well. When one person shoots bad we always seem to pick them up,” Nelson said. “I think we have (built upon last year’s success), especially with our experience against Sunny Hills last year.”
The Warriors split the season series with the Lancers during the 2015 season, and beat Sunny Hills in their first meeting this year. Another triumph on Thursday at Western Hills Country Club could essentially clinch the Freeway League championship for Troy. Last season, the Warriors shared the title with the Lancers.
“We used to get pysched out by Sunny Hills, but that one match last year changed everything,” Nelson said. “It (winning league this year) would be huge, to have a banner in the gym.”
The Warriors definitely have the depth this season to win a championship. On Tuesday four of their five scoring players all broke 40. Freshman Aaron Yoo posted a 36 while Paul Khang and Robert Lee each added a 38. The 34 that Nelson shot was a personal-best for him at Hacienda.
“It was nice to come out and play well. This was my first competitive match since my trip,” Nelson said.
Last week, Nelson was lucky enough to get a ticket to the practice rounds for the Masters held Monday-Wednesday in Augusta, Ga.
“It was ridiculous. I makes this course look like … I don’t know,” Nelson said. “But I love this course too.”
