Saddleback Fails to Advance for First Time Since ’92

Saddleback’s golf team failed to qualify for the state tournament for the first time since 1992 by finishing fifth at the Southern California tournament Monday at Rio Bravo Country Club in Bakersfield.

Santa Barbara won the 36-hole event with a 769 and El Camino was second at 772. Palomar and Canyons tied for third at 773 and took the last two spots in the state tournament, which is Monday in Chico.

Saddleback, which was the defending state champion, finished seven shots out of a berth in the state tournament with a score of 780. Long Beach (782) was sixth.

Nick Ramirez was the low Saddleback player with rounds of 77 and 76 for a 153. Joe Garner (81-73) and John Lee (72-82) tied at 154 and Eric Wang (79-80) shot 159. Bill Bodensteiner (79-85) shot 164.

Mike McGinley, who was the Orange Empire Conference player of the year, just returned Sunday from attending his sister’s wedding in Ireland and shot 87 and 81 for a 168.