Senior Moanikeala Finau brings home gold and sweeps the CIF Southern Section (CIF-SS) individual championship.
On Nov. 6, Finau placed first against approximately 70 other golfers at the CIF-SS Girls’ Golf Individual Championship at Temecula Creek Golf Club. This distinction is the highest honor for girls in Southern California at the sectional level.
“The level at CIF-SS was extremely competitive, as a lot of these girls are committed to top schools in the nation,” Finau said. “Winning against that level of competition felt really surreal.”
Finau scored seven birdies and only one bogey during her 66-round game. Although Finau did not hit the fairway on her 9th-hole par 5, it turned the tide of her round and allowed her to make a putt for a birdie. Halfway through the competition, she realized that she was on pace to be in the running for the championship title, allowing her to save shots in certain situations. Finau made history, becoming the second Lady Brahma to win the sought-after CIF-SS individual title in golf—Bethany Wu, Class of 2012, being the first.
Training for a tournament months in advance is essential for success. Finau prioritized working on mental preparation and confidence with her coach.
“I prepared a lot mentally for the tournament and just tried to make myself as comfortable on the golf course as possible,” Finau said. “I tried to engrave it in myself that I can play well, and I just need to be calm and let whatever happens happen.”
Finau praised her mom for playing a pivotal role in her development as a golfer. Her mom’s reassurance created a stress-free environment, which Finau believes greatly contributed to her spectacular performance this season.
As of late August, Finau committed to play NCAA Division I golf at California State University, Northridge. She looks forward to donning the university’s signature school red, white, and black colors and going full Matador mode on the green next year.
“In preparation to play at a D1 level next year at Northridge, I really want to make sure I am as prepared as I can be, and this [CIF-SS championship] really helped me see where my game is at as a whole,” Finau said.
Playing golf has taught Finau that life is not all about fairways and that perseverance is crucial for getting through the rough. Despite facing many obstacles, she is determined to keep swinging her shot.
“The dedication I put into golf is something not a lot of people understand. But with all the setbacks and ups and downs I face in the sport, moments like this make all the time and effort worth it,” Finau said.