Saddleback Golfers Win State Title, Beating Long Beach by Seven Strokes

Saddleback, coming off a disappointing performance at the Southern California playoffs, came back to win the state golf title Monday at Santa Maria Country Club.

The Gauchos finished with a total of 745 for 36 holes, beating second-place Long Beach by seven shots.

Long Beach had won and Saddleback was third at the Southern California tournament the week before.

Long Beach’s Troy Larkin was the medalist, shooting rounds of 70 and 72 for a two-under 142. Saddleback’s Mike McGinley (73-70, 143) finished second.

Lee Kinney (75-72) shot 147 for Saddleback, which led, 377 to 379 over Long Beach after 18 holes.

It was the fifth state title for Saddleback and Coach Bill Cunerty, who will turn 50 Friday.

“Last week was good for us,” Cunerty said. “This was a great birthday present.”