For Guy Clauss, golf isn’t just about birdies, bogeys and scorecard filled with red numbers. Sure, the Corona del Mar freshman wants to win just as much as anybody.
But when he tees off in a high school match for the Sea Kings, he views it as a chance to socialize and maybe make some new friends.
That’s why Clauss said he loves whenever Coach Mike Starkweater pairs him Ethan Wien. Wien is a chatterbox, too, one with a great sense of humor.
“He is funny,” Clauss said. “I really like his attitude. He is someone who gives me confidence when I play with him.”
Wien certainly seems to bring out the best in Clauss. They were in the same foursome when Corona del Mar played host to Pacific Coast League rival University on Thursday at Newport Beach Country Club, and Clauss posted his lowest score on the front nine there this season
Clauss birdied two holes on his way to carding a 2-under-par 33, which helped the No. 6 Sea Kings (10-4, 5-3) extend their winning streak to six matches with a 190-200 victory against the No. 10 Trojans.
“We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, so we have been able to play a little better, and know who to play with,” Clauss said. “It was a pretty solid day for me. There were a few holes I was scrambling on, but my putter working today. We are just trying to improve each day, don’t worry about what the course is or who is the competitor.”
The Sea Kings’ scoring average during their winning streak is 193.3. And that includes a 186 at Newport Beach CC during an 11-stroke victory against then No. 1 Woodbridge, a result, which Clauss said, helped changed the direction of their season.
“We got a lot of confidence out of that,” Clauss said. “Now, we know we can beat one of the best teams in the county, so that really boosted our confidence. But I think we can still do a few shots better.”
On Thursday, three Sea Kings broke 40 in the victory against University as Clay Seeber and Wien added a 37 and 38 respectively.
“We are playing well,” Starkweather said, “but you just don’t know what is around the corner,”
In other boys golf:
No. 1 Servite 185, St. John Bosco 227: Jack Rahon posted an even-par 35 on the front nine at Western Hills Country Club to lead the Friars (17-1, 5-0) to the Trinity League victory.
Yorba Linda 189, Canyon 201: Ryan Graebe carded an even-par 36 at Black Gold Golf Course to lead the Mustangs in the North Hills League match. He shared medalist honors with Cameron Ona, who shot a 36 for the Comanches.
No. 2 Woodbridge 190, Northwood 194: David Huang finished with a 1-under-par 35 at Ranch San Joaquin to earn medalist honors for the Timberwolves in the loss.
