The Santa Barbara boys golf team didn’t fare as well as it had hoped at Rancho San Marcos on Thursday, missing the cut to advance to June’s SCGA finals by one stroke.
The Dons carded a 390 at the par-71 course three days after winning the CIF Central Coast Divisional title at Cypress Ridge golf course with a score of 371.
“We didn’t perform up to expectations,” admitted Dons head coach James Bedard, noting that Santa Barbara’s talented squad still had plenty of success and triumphs during an 11-2 season, including an undefeated run through a formiddable Channel League.
Servite laid claim to the CIF-SS title by scoring a 381, one shot better than Beverly Hills’ 382. Great Oak and Westlake both broke 390 to fill out the four SCGA spots up for grabs.
Shane Lebow turned in the best round for Santa Barbara. He birdied the final three holes to finish off a one-under 70. Jack Perry scored a 75 that could have been much lower if not for some putting woes on the 13th and 17th holes.
Ray Gerow’s 77 and freshman Mickey Kirby’s 80 kept the Dons in the mix, but Mason Field’s uncharacteristic 88 may have been the difference.
“The course was set up almost as tough as it could be,” Bedard said, describing less than ideal conditions in the heat and wind.
Santa Barbara’s season is not quite over, however, as three players are still alive in CIF individual competition. Field, Perry and Lebow will be competing at Sterling Hills in Camarillo on Monday.
TEAM SCORES
1. Servite 381
2. Beverly Hills 382
3. Great Oak 388
4. Westlake 389
5. La Quinta 389
6T. Santa Barbara 390
6T. Long Beach Wilson 390
