In a non-league match against visiting Palma on Thursday, the
San Benito boys’ golf team fell just short of upending its biggest
rival, despite carding a team score of 224. High winds and playing
on the difficult back nine at San Juan Oaks Golf Club, the
Chieftains earned a 213 Thursday to defeat the Balers by 11
strokes.
HOLLISTER
In a non-league match against visiting Palma on Thursday, the San Benito boys’ golf team fell just short of upending its biggest rival, despite carding a team score of 224.
High winds and playing on the difficult back nine at San Juan Oaks Golf Club, the Chieftains earned a 213 Thursday to defeat the Balers by 11 strokes.
While the two teams managed to avoid the heavy rains that much of the surrounding area experienced Thursday, San Benito head coach Chris Branon couldn’t help but highlight the high winds.
Follow Free Lance Sports on Twitter.
“The wind was probably howling at about 30 (miles per hour),” said Branon, feeling that the inclement weather affected both teams’ high scores. “And it’s not an easy course anyways.”
Medalist honors went to San Benito’s Ryan Han and Palma’s Matt Pinizzotto, each of whom carded a 4-over 40 on Thursday.
“40 was a very, very good score; very windy,” Branon said.
Meanwhile, both Will Cross and Nathan Winn shot a 44 for the Balers, while Andrew Colton and Tony Ramos rounded out the team scoring with matching 48s. Jared Lantis also competed Thursday and finished with a 49.
As for the 224, Branon said he wasn’t much of a fan.
“But to lose to these guys by 11 strokes on this course, it’s not bad,” he added.
San Benito is expected to see Palma again, as well as the other member schools of the Tri-County Athletic League, at Monday’s TCAL Tournament at the Corral De Tierra Country Club. Tee time is 3 p.m.
