Undefeated on the links
BOYS GOLF For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Brahmas take league with a perfect 12-0.
May 17, 2017
Through hard work and skillful play, the Diamond Bar High School boys golf team managed to win every league game for only the first time in nearly 20 years, continuing the team’s nine-season streak as league champions.
Throughout their 12-0 season, the Brahmas, led by captains Samuel Cho and Thomas Lee, focused on continuing the league title streak and improving their coordination together, according to Cho.
“There were really close games, but we pulled together as a team and managed to get things done,” Cho said. “It was a long, roller coaster ride of pressure and intensity.”
The team’s new additions made their presence known. According to coach Tony McCabe, freshmen Ethan Thomas and Leo Lu were two of the top golfers in the league and played like “seasoned veterans.” Cho also recognized Lu, praising his quick adaptation to the high school golf environment and competition. Cho, Lee, Lu and Chiu made First Team All League while Thomas also made Second Team All League.
“Being on varsity as a freshman means that you’re expected to play as good as older players and not to be intimidated when playing against schools that have more experienced players,” Lu said.
Two of the team’s best matches were against Glendora. Against the Tartans, the Brahmas shot their best rounds to barely notch the win for the team.
In addition, at home, the boys won 209-204 against Glendora. While away at Glendora, Chiu shot his best round securing the victory by only four strokes and allowing the team to maintain their winning streak.
The team captains emphasized the important role teamwork played in earning the undefeated league champions title. According to them, there were multiple times where top players shot poorly and others stepped up to balance out the score.
“Everyone on the team shot good or compensated for one another,” Cho said. “It was tough for all of us, but we managed to pull through in getting the undefeated title.”
On May 3, Cho, Lee, Thomas, Lu, Chiu and Kyle Lam were selected to participate in the first round of the CIF playoffs, with five out of the six Diamond Bar players making the 92 player cut and moving on for the second day of the tournament.
Lu, Lee and Cho made the cut for CIF Divisional Individuals in the second day of the tournament, while Chiu missed the cut by one stroke. The Brahmas competed on May 8 at the golf club in Rancho California against over 120 other players who qualified at the individual league finals. Lu shot 84, Cho shot 78 and Lee shot 76, missing the 75 stroke cut by one.
The Brahmas played on May 15 in the CIF Team Divisional at Los Serranos.
