Beckman rebounds, beats Mission Viejo

MISSION VIEJO – Golf, more than any other sport perhaps, is a game that relies on confidence.

Have it, and the low scores just seem to come. But if the nerves are even a bit shaky, well, the problems just seem to start.

And that, Beckman coach Penn Bushong said his Patriots boys golf team is right now.

There’s really no reason for them to feel that way, though, he said. The team is filled with potential. The Patriots showed that on Wednesday at Mission Viejo Country Club, posting their second consecutive score in the 190s. This time it led to a 194-202 nonleague victory against Mission Viejo.

“I am proud of them because they are great kids. They are consistent, but the confidence just isn’t there,” Bushong said. “I think this makes them feel like they have a chance. It is good if you can come to Mission and post a score in the 190s.”

Mission Viejo Country Club is one of the tougher courses used in high school golf. The slope is 132 and the rating is 72.0. Yet three Patriots posted scores in the 30s. Steve Kang was one of them as he shared medalist honors with Mission Viejo freshman Raymund Gonzales. Both players carded a 1-under 35 on the back nine.

Kang posted the lowest score for Beckman on Tuesday, too, shooting a 1-over 37 at Tustin Ranch Golf Club as the Patriots finished with a 191. The Patriots, however, lost to Pacific Coast League rival Corona del Mar by five strokes.

“We aren’t really reaching our potential right now, like Steve. He can go 35 but then 40 the next time,” Bushong said. “We have a lot of seniors, and I don’t know if they are burning out or what. We can beat a lot of teams in the county, but beating a Corona del Mar or Servite, we’d have to take it to another level.”

Gonzales has definitely been on another level this season. He’s 13-under par in his last six matches for the Diablos, and that includes a 6-under 66 at Mesa Verde Country Club during the Estancia Tournament.

“This is my first experience with a player like him. He just has so much composure and hits the ball so well,” Mission Viejo coach Jeff Cunningham said. “It is just amazing. Time and again, he just puts the ball right where you would draw it up to go.”