After advancing to the Central Coast Section regional qualifying tournament last year, the San Benito High boys’ golf team has no desire to fall short of the finals again.
“Last year was the farthest we’ve gone as a team since 1975, and we’re hoping to top that this year,” said Regie Synegal, who is in his sixth year as the Haybalers’ coach. “If we can make it to (the final round of) sectionals, I’m going to quit.”
The effervescent Synegal was kidding, but the point he wanted to make was clear: It would be a huge deal if the Balers — who are not known for being a golf power — could join the traditional heavyweights in the CCS Championships.
Whatever happens, San Benito’s season should be filled with plenty of excitement. The Balers return four of their top six golfers from a team that finished second to Palma in the Monterey Bay League’s Gabilan Division last season.
The returners include senior Ryan Han, who has accepted a full-ride scholarship to UC Davis; senior John German, who is receiving interest from a number of collegiate programs; senior Greg Moreno, who likely will be playing for a top junior college program in the fall; and junior Nick Caputo, who is known for his booming drives off the tee.
“Nick can hit it a long way off the tee, 300 (yards) easy,” Synegal said.
However, Caputo isn’t the only San Benito player who can blast 300-yard tee shots. Synegal said German and Moreno also have the capability to club booming drives with accuracy.
“Greg can reach a lot of par-5s in two (shots),” Synegal said.
The Balers have already had a jam-packed schedule, having started their season on Feb. 24 in the Vikings Classic Invitational at Salinas Golf and Country Club. One day later, they had a four-way meet with Carmel, Palma and Salinas at Corral de Tierra Country Club in Monterey.
This week alone on three consecutive days — Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday — San Benito had a league meet followed by two non-league matches against Carmel and Live Oak, respectively.
The Balers won Tuesday’s league meet at San Juan Oaks, finishing with a 188 to better second-place Palma by 12 strokes. Moreno earned medalist honors with a 3-under par 36.
In the Vikings Classic, the Balers finished second out of 16 teams. Han, who shot a superb 67 in a CCS Regional last year, led the team with a superb 3-under par 68.
In the four-way meet, San Benito finished second to Palma. Han shot a 35, with German and Caputo finishing with a nine-hole total of 38. Han has been nothing short of spectacular as a player and leader.
Possessing an all-around game, Han can simply do it all. Han possesses length off the tee, precision with his irons, touch with the short game and, just as important, a steely resolve to complement his physical skills.
“Ryan knows how to think his way around the golf course,” Synegal said. “That’s a very underrated part of the game, and only the good ones have the mental toughness that is needed to succeed at a high level.”
Synegal also praised Han for helping out Brad Sparrer, who is the only freshman on the varsity and slotted at the No. 5 position.
“Ryan has been really helpful to his teammates, especially a kid like Brad,” Synegal said.
The affable Synegal said he’s even more amped to see how this year’s team progresses. The Balers’ first goal is to unseat Palma — their nemesis — as league champions, then qualify for the CCS Finals.
When Synegal took over the program six years ago, he knew he would need plenty of support to get it going. The players’ parents have been overwhelmingly supportive both financially and physically — Han and German’s dads come to every match — and those around the high school golf scene know the Balers are an up-and-coming golf program.
“We’re pushing the kids to not only play well, but to look good doing it,” Synegal said. “We’ve received compliments on how our team looks in their uniforms, and the way they carry themselves on the course. It’s nice to hear things like that, and we want to continue to do the right things well.”
In addition to their golfing achievements, the players have put up some impressive numbers in the classroom, too. Han has a weighted 4.5 GPA, German a 4.16 and Caputo a 4.0.
Synegal received some great news in the off-season when his son, Marcus, a former San Benito standout who went on to earn a college golf scholarship, accepted the position of assistant coach.
Marcus is a PGA Teaching Professional, something the elder Synegal points out with pride.
“We’ve got a PGA Teaching Pro on our team, but what’s even better is I get to walk the course with my son by my side, watching some great kids play golf,” Synegal said. “It doesn’t get much better than that.”
