GLF: Metzger makes Channel League title his own

San Marcos’ Sam Metzger perfectly lines up a putt on the 18th green on Tuesday. (Courtesy Photo)

San Marcos’ Sam Metzger held off Ventura’s Jacob Johnson on Tuesday to win the Channel League’s individual championship at Soule Park in Ojai.

Johnson had the day’s low round, a four-under 68, but Metzger’s steady play over two days proved to be the difference. The San Marcos sophomore posted a 69 on Tuesday on top of a 68 on Monday. Metzger’s winning score was 137, three strokes ahead of Johnson.

The month of May is where High School golfers must shine and Sam did that these past two days. Being a sophomore and winning a league with a long and storied history is a great accomplishment,” stated Royals head coach Aaron Solis.

San Marcos’ Niels Andersen and Santa Barbara’s Brandon Crane tied for third place. Crane vaulted into third place thanks to a 2-under 70.

The top seven placers qualified for CIF individual competition. Joining the top three are San Marcos’ Chad Visser and Chris Wong, and Ventura’s Tyler Murata. Wong and Murata started the day outside the top seven and made a run to make the cut.