TUSTIN – For the past couple of seasons, Corona del Mar hardly had to work up a sweat as it cruised to the Pacific Coast League championship. The Sea Kings were that talented and that far ahead of the competition.
This year, though, Beckman appears to be ready to challenge the Sea Kings.
On Monday, five of the six Patriots who teed off at Tustin Ranch Golf Club broke 40 as Beckman eased to a 185-214 Pacific Coast League victory against Irvine.
Beckman junior Johnny Hyun birdied two holes on his bogey-free round to post a 2-under 34 on the front nine to medal for the first time this season.
This is the Patriots’ second-lowest score of the season at their home course. Last week, Beckman (6-0) carded a 184 in a 23-stroke victory against Laguna Hills.
“This is the best boys team that we have ever had at the school,” Beckman coach Penn Bushong said. “We always have had four good guys but this year, we added two freshmen who can go low.”
He’s talking about Everton Hawkins and Jin Jen. On Monday, they posted a 2-over 38 and 3-over 39, respectively. The Patriots (6-0) have finished in the 180s in all six matches they have played, giving them a 185.8 stroke average.
The worst score Beckman shot in Monday’s match was a 40. Brett Robinson and Daniel Kim finished in the 30s in the Irvine match. Both shot a 1-over 37.
“The potential is unbelievable, but like I told them you have to get it done in a match, and they have been doing it so far,” Bushong said. “I am proud of them. We have got some talent.”
Even though Corona del Mar had its 45-match winning streak ended last week in a loss to Dana Hills, that doesn’t mean wrestling the PCL championship away from the Sea Kings is going to be easy this season.
To come out on top, the Patriots will have to find a way to beat the Sea Kings at a place where they are almost unbeatable – a tough old course called Newport Beach Country Club.
Beckman will travel to the Sea Kings’ home course on April 25.
“I expect to challenge them for the championship. It is just a matter of being able to do something at their place,” Bushong said. “We just have to get it done in a match at their home course.”
