Romar Ready for Finals

Keith Romar of Birmingham High, the City 6-A League individual golf champion, will shoot for a bigger prize in the City Section championships today and Monday at the Wilson and Harding golf courses in Griffith Park.

Hampered by a hand injury this season, Romar, a senior and four-year varsity golfer, shook off pain and shot a one-over-par 73 at Buenaventura Golf Course in Ventura on April 27. Romar tied with Tommy Mansuwan of El Camino Real, then edged Mansuwan on the first extra hole to win his second consecutive league title.

“My left wrist was bothering me earlier in the year,” Romar said. “But it’s fine now. I just ice it up and go.”

Led by Romar, who had three birdies and four bogeys, and teammate Scott Bashin, who shot a 74, Birmingham defeated defending City champion Granada Hills by six strokes. The stage is set for what should be a competitive duel for the City title, won by Granada Hills five of the last six years. Fourteen teams are entered.

Among top individuals expected to compete are Darrin Schneider of Granada Hills and Chris Whitaker of Palisades, both City finalists last season.

The two courses provide a variety of challenges.

“Wilson is long and narrow,” Romar said. “You have to be long off the tee. It’s a shot-makers’ course. Harding is more of a short course. You have to be good with your short game. I work on that a lot.”

The top two teams, including six members each, will advance to the Southern California Golf Assn. championships on June 8 at the SCGA Members’ Club in Murrieta. The top 10 individuals--excluding members of the top two teams--also advance.

Last year, Romar shot a 74 at Murrieta, the lowest score among City players.