No golfers able to advance past regional tournament
A group of local boys’ golfers had more to deal with than the challenging course that presented itself at the CIF Southern Section Northern Individual Regional Tournament on Monday
Playing on River Ridge Golf Club’s Vineyard Course in Oxnard, the athletes had to deal with gusty winds that affected their game.
Unfortunately for the contingent, the conditions played a part in their downfall, as none of them advanced.
“It’s just a case of being a little unlucky,” said La Cañada junior Collin Morikawa, the reigning All-Area Boys’ Golfer of the Year who carded a four-over-par 76 to finish tied for 27th. “It seemed like every hole, you were going up against the wind and I just tried to hang in there.”
Spencer Soosman of Westlake won the event with a 68. Four players shot under par Monday. The cut was 75.
Cody Renfro of Crescenta Valley carded a 77 to tie for 33rd. Michael Mozilo of St. Francis and La Cañada’s Joshua Suh had 78s to finish tied for 42nd. Russell Caletena of Glendale and Robby Stehlin of La Cañada carded 83s to tie for 67th.
The top 20 from the field of 104 advanced to the CIF Southern Section Individual Championship/Southern California Golf Assn. Qualifying Tournament, which will be held May 27.
Renfro, who finished with four birdies, said he had difficulty fighting off the winds.
“It seemed to be going the whole round,” said Renfro, who helped the Falcons place second in the Pacific League. “I felt like I could have played a little bit better.
“Overall, I’m satisfied with my round with this being the first time taking part in this tournament.”
St. Francis Coach Kyle Ostrom, who guided the Golden Knights to a second-place finish in the Mission League for the second season in a row, said Mozilo had some mixed results.
“He made some nice putts and was able to get up and down for par,” Ostrom said. “It just became hard when the wind came in and started to go against him.
“He had a few bogeys going into the wind. He did everything he could to hang in there.”
Crescenta Valley and La Cañada, which won the Rio Hondo League title, will next take part in the CIF Southern Section Northern Team Divisional at 1 p.m. next Monday at Soule Park Golf Club in Ojai. St. Francis will participate in the CIF Southern Section Central Team Divisional at 1 p.m. next Monday at Lakewood Golf Course in Lakewood.
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Follow Charles Rich on Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich .
