Locals shooting for individual success
GLENDALE — Having already excelled in their respective league finals, a trio of local boys’ golfers is set to aim even higher.
Jack Bouchard, Richie Maloof and Kelsey Danzeisen are prepared for the next step, as each will participate in the 18-hole CIF Southern Section Southern Individual Regional at 8 a.m. Monday at Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo.
The top 30 from the Southern, Central and Northern Individuals — all scheduled for Monday — will advance to the CIF Individual Final, which will be held May 23 at Industry Hills Golf Club’s Babe Zaharias Course.
Bouchard, a sophomore at Flintridge Prep, finished second in the Prep League final for the second straight season. Maloof, a senior at St. Francis High, took third at the Mission League final. Danzeisen, a junior at Burroughs, placed fifth at the Pacific League final.
The trio will be alongside some top-notch competition on the Ventura County course.
“I’m optimistic that I can do well,” said Bouchard, a reigning All-Area selection. “I just have to go out there and stay consistent and not get caught up in the moment.
“I feel a lot better about my game and I’ve been working on some things, like my putting and long game. [Flintridge Prep Coach Bob Loughrie] said to try not to change anything and just make the best out of the round and experience.”
Maloof, a standout football player with the Golden Knights, struggled late in the season. However, he regrouped to fare well in the league final at Griffith Park.
Maloof said he’s looking for the trend to continue.
“My goal is to move on to the next round, play well and try to improve my score and keep getting lower and lower,” Maloof said. “I felt like I could have played better [at the league final] and of course I would like to go even lower at Las Posas.
“I went and had a practice round [there] Tuesday. I went out there and played the course, it’s in good condition and it should be a good test, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Danzeisen fine tuned his game and finished strong in the league final.
“He’s worked so hard and he’s come so far from last year,” Burroughs Coach Greg Everhart said. “He knows exactly what he has to do to score well.
“He’s so excited and it’s nice to see his face knowing that he’s moved on.”
The Southern California Golf Assn. Regional Qualifier will take place May 31 at Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena. The CIF State Championship will be held June 8 at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach.