Santa Margarita boys golf coach Chuck Morales knew that a much different kind of season was going to be in store for the Eagles this spring. But even he didn’t expect the drop off to be this dramatic.
After two straight trips to the CIF State Championships tournament, he doubts the Eagles will even finish in the top three in the Trinity League.
“I thought we would have a bit more resilience,” he said.
The Eagles no longer have Beau Hossler, who briefly led the U.S. Open last June while playing as an amateur, and Andrew Leavitt, who was first-team All-County last year. Hossler graduated at mid-school year to enroll early at Texas, and Leavitt is now playing at USC.
On Thursday, the Eagles finished 28th in the Champions Invitational in Indio, a tournament they won the previous two seasons.
Having a player such as Hossler or Leavitt in the lineup, Morales said, forces everyone on the team to step up their game.
“We are up and down.” Morales said. “We have no depth and are inconsistent at the top.”
There are times when the Eagles have given a glimpse into their potential. They beat Tesoro, 182-192, on the South Course at Coto de Caza Country Club. But two weeks later, Santa Margarita lost to Orange Lutheran on the same course after shooting a 201. Santa Margarita, Morales said, hadn’t shot in the 200s at Coto de Caza in six years.
O.C. SHINES AT HEATHER FARR
Sunny Hills freshman Justin Kim was one of four Orange County players to finish in the top 10 in the boys division at the AJGA Heather Farr Classic.
Kim fired an even-par 71 in the final round at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, Ariz., to finish fourth with a 3-under 210, five shots off of the lead.
Valencia freshman Derek Castillo shot a 2-over-par 73 in the final round to finish with a 2-under-par 211. He posted a 69 in both the first and second rounds and was never outside the top five during the tournament.
St. Margaret’s Anthony Cecere tied for eighth, carding an even-par 213. Tesoro sophomore Gordon Neale, who led the first round after shooting a 3-under 68, ended up in a four-way tie for 10th after posting a 1-over 214
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE SHOWDOWN
Whether Corona del Mar will defend its Pacific Coast League championship could be decided Monday when the Sea Kings travel to Tustin Ranch Golf Club to face Beckman on the Patriots’ home course.
For the past couple of seasons, the Sea Kings have cruised into first place, but earlier this season, they watched their 45-macth winning streak come to an end. Since then, they have lost four of their last six matches, including two losses to PCL teams, dropping Corona del Mar to 2-2 in league.
Beckman is tough to beat at Tustin Ranch as the Patriots are 6-0 there this year, posting a 186.5 nine hole scoring average. One more loss, and it could be difficult for the Sea Kings to catch up to Woodbridge, which has won all four of its PCL matches.
HONOR ROLL
Four Orange County girls golf teams have received grants from the WSCGA for their performance in the classroom.
Sage Hill and St. Margaret’s, which had grade point averages of 3.84 and 3.73 respectively, made the cut for schools with an enrollment of 1499 and below. Canyon (3.91) and Los Alamitos (3.80) were among the school selected with an enrollment of 1,500 or above.
Each team receives grants ranging from $250 to $500. The teams will receive their awards during an on-field ceremony before an Angels game at Angel Stadium on April 24.
MVPS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF GOLF SEASON:
Clay Feagler, Dana Hills: Freshman has medaled seven times this season.
Alex Valadez, Loara: Has carded the lowest score in nine of Saxons’ 14 matches.
Samuel Kim, Northwood: A seven-time medalist and has twice finished 2-under par.
Gordon Neale, Tesoro: Long-driving sophomore has medaled in eight of 12 matches.
Martin Manalo, Servite (above): Has been the most consistent player for Friars.
Contact the writer: ddottore@ocregister.com
