Santa Barbara High teammates Mason Field and Jack Perry went toe-to-toe Tuesday in a sudden-death playoff for the Channel League’s individual golf title, and Field, the senior, walked off with the crown after parring the 10th hole at Soule Park Golf Course.
“I knew it was going to be a close match and that I had to put pressure on him,” said Field, who will play for Cal Poly next year. “There’s definitely competition between all of us and we all want to win every match we play.”
Field fired a 67 on the day, including two eagles, to pull into the deadlock with Perry, who shot 69 after taking the lead on day one.
The two Dons will join teammate Shane Lebow on May 18th as part of a 6-player group of Channel Leaguers competing at the CIF Individual Regionals at Sterling Hills Golf Course.
San Marcos freshman Thayer White became part of that 6-man group by sinking a 20-foot downhill birdie putt on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff. His round of 71 marked his first ever under-par outing.
“That putt felt amazing. When I first hit it I saw it was on line and I knew it was going to go in… I would definitely say that was the greatest shot of my life,” he said.
Dons coach James Bedard said that it was quite a treat to watch two of his players go against each other with the title on the line.
“It was awesome knowing that one of those two guys was going to be the Channel League champ,” said Bedard. “Jack played really well and had our best scoring average all season, but it’s great to see Mason get it in his senior year. He’s struggled a lot in the past year, but he’s worked tirelessly to get back into form.”
Field said that he had been plagued by the “chipping-yips” this season, but was relieved that his short game was on-target Tuesday. One of his eagles was a chip-in on the 13th hole. Santa Barbara’s Mickey Kirby won a playoff to claim the second alternate spot for the regionals.
Next up for the Dons and Royals is the CIF Team Regionals, to be played Monday at Cypress Ridge.
