All-Area Boys’ Golfer of the Year: Improved swing leads to improved campaign for Ricci
While residing in the San Fernando Valley, Andrew Ricci focused mostly on playing baseball. When he moved to La Cañada Flintridge about two years ago, he developed an interest in another sport that requires an accurate swing.
Ricci traded in his bat and glove for a set of golf clubs. No longer swinging for the fences, he’s now swinging for the fairways while fitting in pleasantly on the talented La Cañada High boys’ golf team.
“I loved playing baseball at different levels,” said Ricci, a sophomore. “I had a lot of fun and it was such a great experience playing it for six years.
“I also liked playing golf, too. I just wanted to try something new and stick with it and I’m so glad I have. My first month getting into it was pretty tough. I had a coach who helped me with a lot of things, from developing my swing to learning more about course management.”
Ricci transferred to La Cañada and joined a program that’s dominated the Rio Hondo League and qualified regularly for CIF Southern Section individual and team competitions for more than a decade.
Comfortable in his new environment, Ricci has helped maintain the Spartans’ powerful grip on the league.
That proved to be the case this past season, as Ricci put up some impressive efforts to help La Cañada win its 13th straight league championship. He averaged a team-best 73.60 score, finished third in the league individual tournament to qualify for the CIF Southern Section Northern Individual Tournament and helped the Spartans place fifth at CIF Southern Section Central Coast Team Divisional.
“I came here and I just loved being able to represent my school and team,” Andrew Ricci said. “I had a good first season and I wanted to come back stronger.”
It was because of those accomplishments that Ricci was selected the 2017 All-Area Boys’ Golfer of the Year, as voted by the sportswriters of the La Cañada Valley Sun, Burbank Leader and Glendale News-Press. The Spartans have had a player bestowed with the honor in eight of the last nine years and 10 of the previous 12.
Ricci had a fantastic freshmen season with the Spartans, earning All-Area accolades. He didn’t stop there. With a season of experience to draw from, Ricci elevated his all-around game this season.
“I came here and I just loved being able to represent my school and team,” Ricci said. “I had a good first season and I wanted to come back stronger. I think I progressed in a lot of ways.
“Last summer, I set some goals. I wanted to help the team win another league championship, lower my average to around 75 and be a part of the playoffs individually and team. I met those goals, plus you keep learning more about the things you need to practice.”
At the league individual tournament at Marshall Canyon Golf Course in La Verne on May 3, Ricci rallied furiously from outside the top five to finish third and and earn a trip to the CIF Southern Section Individual Tournament for a second straight season.
Ricci had a nine-over-par 80 on the first day of the league tournament before regrouping to fire a 70 the next day to record a two-round 150. Ricci took third with a 151 last season.
“I was off a little bit during the first round and I knew I had to play a lot better in the last day,” Ricci said. “I knew the course a little bit better going into the second round and I capitalized on what I missed out on during the first round.
“I stayed away from the bunkers and the trees and I had six birdies on par-five holes.”
Ricci’s final round left La Cañada first-year coach Derrick Williams impressed.
“He didn’t have the performance he wanted in the first day,” said Williams, the All-Area Boys’ Golf Coach of the Year. “He didn’t put himself in any bad situations during the second day and that’s a sign of adjusting and learning on the fly.”
Ricci then took part in the CIF Individual Tournament, which was held May 8 at River Ridge Golf Course in Oxnard. He carded a six-over-par 78 to tie for 42nd. The cut was 74, with the top 20 from the field of 100 advancing to the CIF Individual Qualifier.
“I started off a little rocky and I tried to get back into it,” Ricci said. “The conditions were pretty windy.
“I had 39 putts and I shot a 78. I was off with my putting that day. I had taken a practice round up there a couple of days before the tournament to get a feel for the course. I learned a lot and it was quite an experience playing with so many great players.”
The season didn’t end there for Ricci, however.
La Cañada traveled about three hours to the River Course at the Alisal in Solvang for the Central Coast Team Divisional on May 15. Ricci registered a five-over-par 77 and the Spartans finished fifth with a 401.
“I felt very comfortable playing and we did well as a team,” Ricci said. “I thought we might be able to advance farther, but, in an event like that, you need all five guys shooting around even-par to have a chance. Still, we had a very good showing and it’s something we can build on heading into next year.”
Williams, who played two seasons at Cleveland State University before transferring to Michigan State, said the Spartans are heading in the right direction with Ricci surging.
“I think we are going to continue taking positive steps and Andrew will be a big part of it,” said Williams, who serves as the Glendale Community College women’s golf coach. “With Andrew, there isn’t that stress level and he’s ready to capitalize on his opportunities.”
Perhaps Ricci’s achievements shouldn’t have come as a surprise.
La Cañada junior Dylan Choi said Ricci has been an instrumental part of the Spartans success the past two seasons.
“We’ve had a lot of solid players who are younger, but Andrew keeps our team spirit up,” Choi said. “That’s pretty important.
“He’s recorded a lot of low scores and he’s our No. 1 player. He improved his game a lot this year. Last year, he didn’t hit the ball that far, but he found a way to keep it on the fairway. This year, he added a lot more distance to his tee and approach shots. That’s led him to make the greens and put himself in good position to convert on putts. He’s definitely got a bright future.”
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
