Eagles Rise to the Occasion by Going Low to Win Title

The day started with a question to the Santa Margarita golf team from Coach Tim O’Hara. It ended with an exclamation point.

Santa Margarita, a traditional section power that had taken a back seat this season to Servite, out-dueled a tough field on a tough golf course and won the Southern Section title with a team total of 383.

Senior Steve Conway and sophomore Taylor Wood each shot three-over-par 75 for the Eagles, who finished eight shots ahead of Atascadero and 15 ahead of third-place Long Beach Wilson at Saticoy Country Club in Somis. Riverside Poly shot 399 and earned the fourth and final berth in the CIF-SCGA finals June 6 at the SCGA Members Club in Murrieta.

“I asked the guys if Servite was the new king of golf in the county,” O’Hara said. “They responded with this.”

It is the second section title for Santa Margarita, which last won in 1996. The Eagles also have two CIF-SCGA titles, but had a string of 10 consecutive league titles and seven regional titles come to an end this year.

Servite ended both streaks, defeating Santa Margarita twice during Serra League play and Monday in the Western Divisional. None of that mattered after the Friars shot a season-worst 401 Thursday and tied for fifth.

“It’s a waste of a season,” said Servite’s Ryan Cole, who shot 77.

The demanding Ventura County course with tight, hilly fairways and slick greens did not yield a score under par. Cerritos sophomore Sonny Nimkhum was medalist with a 72. Only 22 players in the 96-player field broke 80.

“The score itself isn’t spectacular,” said O’Hara. “But compared to everyone else, I think it’s pretty good.”

Servite’s top player, Nico Bollini, struggled by his standards, shooting six-over-par 42 on the front nine and finishing with a 79. Jordan Nasser and R.J. Nones each shot 80 for the Friars.

“I think this is a course that you’ve got to respect,” said Servite Coach Tim Meagher. “We did some stuff that didn’t show respect.”

Mike Farrel, who shot 77 for Santa Margarita, said winning the title is sweet, but finally defeating Servite is sweeter. “We’ve been struggling against them all year,” he said.

Conway chalked it up to the team depth.

“Our four, five and six guys blow away everybody else,” Conway said. “We came in here with a positive mindset because we know our team plays best on tougher courses.”

Huntington Beach, led by Andy Anderson’s 75, shot 403 and finished in a three-way tie for seventh. San Clemente, which qualified for the tournament only after Woodbridge was disqualified for playing an illegal practice round, was 10th with 406. Newport Harbor got a 77 from Kevin Olson but the Sailors shot 424 and placed 13th in the 16-team field.