Swinging for CIF Finals
BOYS GOLF The Brahmas have competed in three tournaments thus far.
March 20, 2018
Coming off of an undefeated season and nine-straight league titles, the Diamond Bar High School boys golf team is looking to take its success one step further by reaching the CIF Finals.
“We have a strong group back. We didn’t lose anybody, and everyone worked pretty dang hard in the offseason,” head coach Tony McCabe said.
The boys began league play with a 197-221 win against Bonita. Freshman Wisley Lynn earned medalist honors after shooting a two-over par 38. Junior co-captain Sam Cho and junior Bryan Chiu finished with a score of 39.
“I feel like we can do a lot better but as of right now, it wasn’t too bad for the first opener,” senior captain Thomas Lee said.
In their second league match, the boys once again defeated Bonita in a nail biter, 194-196. Sophomore Leo Lu helped lead the team to a victory, shooting one-over 36.
On March 12, the Brahmas competed in the Linfield Tournament, earning first place honors over 15 other teams. The team ended the tournament with a score of 399.
However, on March 15, the boys dropped a non-league match, 193-204, to Ontario Christian.
Prior to league, the boys competed in the Ontario Christian Invitational Tournament, as well as the Ayala Tournament. In the Ontario Christian Invitational Tournament, the Brahmas took third place. According to McCabe, the boys shot about five strokes better compared to their performance in last year’s tournament.
The boys placed fifth with a score of 392 in the Ayala Tournament. McCabe named Lu as a standout player in the tournament as Lu shot a two-under par 72, a career best round according to McCabe.
The Brahmas also competed in a non-league match before league play, defeating Diamond Ranch, 214-320. Sophomore Keagan Terry received medalist honors.
In preparation for league play, the boys have participated in many tournaments. Multiple Brahmas competed individually against the nation’s top golfers in the Toyota Tour Cup and the American Junior Golf Association tournaments.
“In the last three years, this is the best summer we’ve had. They’ve played in the most tournaments, the scores are lower, so they really did a good job,” McCabe said.
McCabe pointed to Lee, Cho, Chiu, Lu, sophomore Ethan Thomas and Lynn as key players for the team. McCabe cited Lee and Cho’s leadership as one of the key factors to having a successful year. McCabe also said that Chiu, Lu and Thomas also help the team through their everyday actions.
With the team’s returning experience, leadership and newcomers, McCabe said that it is time for the team to step up to the challenge of placing first or second in CIF.
“We’re not satisfied with what we’re doing. We want to get better and that’s a good sign so far,” McCabe said.
Lee’s end goal individually is to win the CIF MVP. In terms of the team, Lee hopes to win the CIF Championship.
