On April 17, Gabrielino boys golf competed in the Rio Hondo League Cluster Meet at the Santa Anita Golf Course. They placed fourth overall with a score of 412, falling to La Cañada High School, South Pasadena High School, and San Marino High School.
“The tournament helps us get a ranking of the people in our league and determine who plays during playoffs,” stated senior Aidan Banh, the captain of the Gabrielino boys golf team.
The boys golf team later competed in another Rio Hondo League Cluster Meet on April 24 at Alhambra Golf Course. They scored a cumulative of 384 points and came in fifth place overall, falling to La Cañada, South Pasadena, San Marino, and Temple City High School.
These meets are heavily reliant on individual scoring. After playing 9 holes each, the 5 best scores are added together to calculate both team and individual placements. To improve their scores, many members set individual goals.
“One of my personal goals for the season is to drive the ball over 300 yards,” stated junior Nathan Hoe.
The boys golf team already has a good idea of how they can adopt a better mindset and improve their overall performance, especially when it comes to their strategy during competition.
“We need to play smart during our matches. We should stay focused and not overreact when we make mistakes,” said Banh.
Many of the team members are also focused on improving in order to qualify for CIF. Last year, they won the CIF-Southern Section Division 7 championship as a team after appealing to make the playoffs. To win, each member has to carry their weight and score well for the team.
“Individually, I’d like to qualify for CIF and give our team a chance to win again,” stated sophomore Ethan Kwan. Kwan is one of the top scorers on the team, alongside Banh and Ethan Tang. Aside from qualifying to CIF, individual members will also want to score high and compete in league finals as individuals.
“I’d like to qualify for the playoffs,” said Banh. “We’re improving and already becoming more consistent with our scores.”
Aside from scoring individually and improving their game, the team also prepares for these meets by practicing together and uplifting one another.
“We have short competitions and matches against each other during practice. It keeps things fun and competitive while also helping us bond as a team,” said junior Nathan Hoe.
Practicing together is easy for the boys golf team. As a small, interconnected group, they are able to give each other feedback and encourage each other.
“When we have on-course practice,”explained Kwan “it’s easy for us to work with one another since we’re all friends.”
The league preliminary tournament took place on April 29. The boys team placed third overall, the highest placement they have had in league this year, with a total score of 398.
The boys golf team continues to encourage one another and build team spirit as they seek another CIF-SS championship.
“When we do well, it’s usually because everyone does well,” stated Kwan.
