University's Gulugian wins PCL golf title

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA - She is one of the top junior golfers in the country, a teenager who played against the top pros inthe world at the U.S. Open, but only once during her high school career has she qualified for the CIF State championship.

And Ani Gulugian has only got one more chance to win the most coveted prize in girls high school golf.

"That (winning state) is the only thing that matters to me as far as high school golf is concerned," Gulugian said.

On Tuesday she got one step closer to her reaching her goal, posting a 4-under 68 at Tijeras Creek to win the Pacific Coast League individual title by eight strokes over Beckman's Kaitlin Park. Gulugian, who holed five birdies on Tuesday, finished with a two-round total of 143 strokes after recording a 3-over 75 while battling severe flu-like symptoms during the first round of the tournament at El Prado on Monday. 

"I started out with a birdie on the first hole and I guess I just never looked back from there," Gulugian said. "It is always good for me to shoot under no matter where it is. Going under (par) is my goal every time I step out on the course." 

Seven girls in total qualified for the CIF Individual Southern Regional on Monday at Landmark Golf Club in Hemet, and University players claimed four of the spots. Ivy Baek finished third at 162, Elaine Tse came in fourth with 164 strokes and Uni sophomore Melissa Wattana, the first-round leader, earned the seventh and final qualifying spot with her 168.

"I am really proud of them (her teammates that also qualified). We have been working really hard, so I am glad that it has paid off for them," Gulugian said. "I think this year, they understand more of what we are working on. And they really want it this year."   

But not more than Gulugian. She finished with a disappointing 80 at the 2008 CIF State championship at Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucuamonga and ended the tournament in a tie for 15th.

"I think that has really prepared me for this year. I wasn't sure of the course and I didn't know it," Gulugian said. "This year, I think I have a pretty good chance."

RESULTS

1. Ani Gulugian, University, 75-68-143; 2. Kaitlin Park, Beckman, 76-75-151; 3. Ivy Baek, University, 76-86-162; 4. Elaine Tse, University, 77-87-164; 5. Tina Kwon, Beckman, 80-86-166; 6. Amy Lee, Irvine, 82-85-167; 7. Melissa Wattana, University, 73-95-168