Jack Perry didn’t make it easy on himself, but prevailed nonetheless in the second playoff hole Tuesday to move out of the CIF Southern Section Boys Golf Championships and into next week’s SCGA Southern California High School Championships. Moving on along with the Santa Barbara High junior is Niall Platt (72) of the Condor League champion Laguna Blanca Owls.
Perry shot a 5-over 76 at the par-71 Hacienda Golf Course in La Habra to become tangled in a seven-man playoff in which six spots would advance. He had the best drive and the closest approach shot of any player in the first playoff hole but three-putted for bogey, as did three others. He had the best drive and approach on the next hole as well, but this time drained a 15-footer for birdie.
“He hit the ball great today but struggled with the putter. He needed 37 putts over the 18 holes,” said coach James Bedard. “I think some of it had to do with unfamiliarity with the course, which was playing very difficult.”
Platt, who had an impressive average of one-under par this season and has led the Owls to three straight league crowns, is also the Lompoc City Champion.
“He also carries an A+ average for these three years and is just a most excellent young man,” said coach Peter Angeloff.
San Marcos freshman Thayer White shot an 82 and did not advance.
Next Wednesday’s competition will take place at the SCGA Members Course in Murrieta and will include the top prep golfers from Fresno all the way down to San Diego. Last year, the top score was in the high-60s, which is within Perry’s range should he play well. Only six out of the field of 100 will advance to the State Championships.
Patrick Cantlay of Anaheim Servite, whom Bedard referred to as “a superstar in the making,” carded a 66 for Tuesday’s lowest round.
