Won Is a Winner On and Off Course

University High golf Coach Craig Huff says he will always remember Ron Won.

Forget the on-course achievements that made Won synonymous with local high school golf for the last four years.

It’s not Won’s game that has made an impact on Huff.

“He’s just one of the neatest kids on the planet,” Huff said. “Anyone who’s ever come in contact with him says the same thing. I’m going to remember that more than anything. Even if he was just a kid in my class, I’d remember him.”

But it’s hard to ignore Won’s accomplishments on the course.

The Trojan senior, headed to Stanford in the fall, finished the season by shooting a record six-under-par 66 to win the CIF-SCGA championship. He also shot 66 in the Southern Section individual finals to finish second--a shot behind teammate Brian Sinay.

He shot a cumulative one under par for the regular season, won his fourth consecutive Pacific Coast League title and during one 27-hole stretch during the regular season, carded 14 birdies and an eagle.

For those reasons, Won is The Times Orange County Golfer of the Year.

“I was able to finish well,” Won said. “One of my goals was to win the league title again and then to finish the year with that record--it’s just great.”

Whether it’s the way he whipped golf courses with a wicked putter for the past four years or his placid personality away from the course, just about everyone who knows Won will miss something about him.

Sinay, who congratulated Won with a hug after his CIF-SCGA victory, may miss him most.

The two built a healthy, friendly rivalry in what was arguably the most talented twosome on any team in Southern California. Sinay, who shot a sizzling 65 to win the Southern Section title by a stroke over Won, said the competition made him a better player.

“I’ll definitely miss the fact that he’s so good and I could compete against him every day,” said Sinay, a junior. “He kept me on my toes. But it’s also the way he handled himself on the course. He’s a good example of how to approach the mental game. You learn things from good players like that.”

Ranked No. 7 in the nation among junior boys, Won has inspired competitors as well.

“He’s one of those guys that if I’m not winning, I root for him,” said Nico Bollini of Servite. “I’m going to miss him a lot.”

Won is looking forward to playing collegiately, but says he will miss high school golf about as much as it will miss him.

“We had a pretty special team for the last three years,” Won said. “I’m definitely going to miss the guys.”

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

BOYS’ GOLF

FIRST TEAM

Nico Bollini

Servite

So.

Golden West champ led Friars to 2nd in CIF-SCGA team finals.

*

Steve Conway

Santa Margarita

Jr.

Led top-ranked Eagles with 36.8 average.

*

Mike Lavery

Irvine

Sr.

Sea View League champ had only one double bogey all season.

*

Donald Rhee

El Toro

Sr.

Averaged 36.4 in regular season, advanced to CIF-SCGA finals.

*

Brian Sinay

University

Jr.

Won second Southern Section title with record 65.

*

Ron Won

University

Sr.

Four-time Pacific Coast League champion won CIF-SCGA title.

*

SECOND TEAM

Brett Armstrong

Mission Viejo

Sr.

South Coast League champ averaged 75 in postseason.

*

Ryan Cole

Servite

So.

Averaged 36.4 in regular season, 73.8 in postseason.

*

Jeff Greenfield

Fountain Valley

Sr.

Sunset champ had seven rounds under par.

*

Brad Sader

Brea Olinda

Sr.

Orange champ led team to Southern Section finals.

*

Mark Warman

San Clemente

Sr.

Top Triton helped team finish 17-1.

*

Taylor Wood

Santa Margarita

Fr.

Advanced to CIF-SCGA finals with strong finish.

Coach of the Year: Ken Lutz, Brea Olinda