Los Alamitos sets course record, beats Newport Harbor

NEWPORT BEACH – Newport Harbor seems to have a way of bringing out the best in its opponents.

Take Thursday’s match against Sunset League rival Los Alamitos for example.

Connor Campbell holed four birdies during his round on the front nine at Big Canyon Country Club to help lead the Griffins to a 191-195 victory, posting a 3-under 33 which broke the course record for high school matches by one stroke.

With victory, the No. 3 Griffins (15-3, 8-1) clinched at least a share of the league championship.

This is the third time this season and the second time this week that a school or individual has made history against the Sailors (10-9, 4-3).

On Tuesday, Marina shot a record 5-under as a team at Meadowlark Golf Course in beating No. 10 Newport Harbor by 22 strokes.

“That (so many record-breaking performances) has never really happened to us before,” Newport Harbor coach Scott Tarnow said. “But he (Campbell) came through in the biggest moment when his team needed him the most.”

When Campbell’s foursome – the last group playing in the match – teed off on the final hole, the Sailors had a 15 shot advantage, but thanks to Campbell shooting a 33 and Daniel Gregory, his playing partner, posting an even-par 36, the Griffins won by four strokes.

It was the fifth time this season that Campbell has been the medalist. Not all of his shots were perfect, however. Hit hit an 8-iron a bit too hard and carried the ball well past the pin on the second hole. He was left with a tricky 40-foot putt, which he thought he hit it a bit too hard. But to his surprise, it rolled right in.

“I was yelling, ‘sit, sit, sit,’” Campbell said. “You know, Daniel had a great day today, too and that really helped us. This team that we have has a chance to be really good for some time to come. And I think that loss yesterday to Marina really opened our eyes.”

The Griffins shot a 188 at Meadowlark and came in six strokes behind the Vikings, who still have a shot at being co-league champions with Los Alamitos.

Mason Moody and Brad Tapfer, both freshmen, led the Sailors on Thursday, each carding a 1-over-par 37.

Moody holed an ace with a 3-wood on the 180-yard No. 7. It’s the first time that one of Tarnow’s players has had a hole-in-one at Big Canyon.

“I hit it pretty solid. It had a nice ball flight and it got a good roll,” Moody said. “I didn’t get to see it go in, but the person up there watching it, threw up their arms and started cheering. It (not seeing it) is a little disappointing.”