Hernandez, Burroughs boys’ golf leads pack in league match
BURBANK — Kodiak Hernandez figured he needed a quality round to help him get back on track.
Things came together immediately for the Burroughs High boys’ golfer despite some gusty winds Thursday afternoon.
Hernandez finished with a pair of eagles to tie for first place with a four-under-par 67 during the fifth Pacific League match of the season at De Bell Golf Club.
Hernandez had an eagle on the par-five first hole before notching another eagle on the par-five eighth hole.
“I actually felt pretty positive starting the round and then I got that first eagle,” said Hernandez, who tied with Josh Kwon of Arcadia. “Your confidence level goes up and you start to feel even better about what you can possibly do the rest of the round.
“On the second eagle, I made a couple of shots and was able to get up and down. It definitely helps to know that I can shoot a low score and it came at the right time.”
Hernandez carded a three-under 33 on the front nine before recording a one-under-34 on the final nine holes. By comparison, Kwon shot a 34 and 33, respectively.
Arcadia, the defending league champion, finished first with a 367. Burroughs took second at 388, followed by Burbank (402), Crescenta Valley (428) and Pasadena (477). Arcadia is in first place with two matches remaining. Burroughs is in second place.
The area teams received some outstanding scores, including a 71 from JJ Nakao of Burbank and a 76 from Crescenta Valley’s Hank Norman.
Nakao, a reigning All-Area selection, had a 35 on the front nine before finishing with a 36.
“I thought everything worked pretty good for me, but I know I could have done better,” Nakao said. “I’m satisfied and there are things I know I need to work on to get better.
“I missed a couple of putts midway through. I learned that I just need to think more clearly and not get overwhelmed after a bad shot.”
Norman, a freshman, posted a pair of 38s to pave the way for the Falcons.
“It’s a shorter course here and I don’t like short courses,” Norman said. “The mental strategy for tee shots on a short course can be intimidating.
“I’m pretty satisfied with my round. I made a couple of key putts and my tee shots were pretty strong.”
Burroughs received a 76 from Ryan McGowan, 77 from Lincoln Melcher, 82 from Daniel Gonzalez and an 86 from Trey Sanchez.
Burbank got a 77 from Kevin Kienlen, 82 from Ari Ahmed, 83 from Frank Maslyk and 89 from Devin Blazon.
Andrew Hong had a 78 for Crescenta Valley, which received an 87 from Jaden Chung, 90 from Nate Frink and 93 from Daniel DeGuzman.
Arcadia got a 72 from Justin Chen, 73 from David Ju, 76 from Kylen Yu and 79 from Andy Zang. Jerome Dimalaluan led Pasadena with an 84.
The next league match will take place at noon Thursday at Hansen Dam Golf Course in Pacoima. The league team finals will occur April 23 at a site to be determined and the league individual tournament will be held April 24 at Hasen Dam.
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
