They may not have qualified for the Nor-Cal tournament, but when
put into perspective, Marissa Gutierrez and Katie O’Brien battled
the best the Central Coast Section had to offer Monday, and fell
just short.
CARMEL
They may not have qualified for the Nor-Cal tournament, but when put into perspective, Marissa Gutierrez and Katie O’Brien battled the best the Central Coast Section had to offer Monday, and fell just short.
Gutierrez and O’Brien, both seniors at San Benito High School, competed in the CCS 2007 Girls Golf Championships at the Rancho Canada Golf Club Monday in Carmel.
The two Lady ‘Balers didn’t make the cut for the CIF Nor-Cal Girls Individual Championships after 18 holes, as Gutierrez carded a 79 while O’Brien finished her day with an 86, but both scores were superior to their 18-hole scores from last week’s Tri-County Athletic League Finals.
When compared to last Monday’s TCAL Finals, which were held at the Salinas Golf and Country Club, Gutierrez improved her score by seven strokes in Carmel after carding an 86 at Salinas, while O’Brien improved by eight strokes Monday after shooting a 94 at Salinas.
Coach Chris Branon said after Monday’s round that Gutierrez and O’Brien should be pleased with their scores.
“Hopefully, this is good motivation. Their high school career is over, but it’s a chance to start a new career,” Branon said. “They both did very well. When they look back, playing with not only Division I athletes and however many (future) LPGA members, because you definitely have some here who’ll make that next step, those are good motivation numbers.
“Both (scores) are not as low as they could have been, but both (scores) are low enough to say, ‘I don’t want to quit.’ This could be the start of a new career.”
Gutierrez and O’Brien began their day on the 10th hole of the par-72 East Course. For Gutierrez, it was her goal to qualify for Nor-Cal this year. The senior shot a 6-over on holes 10-18, but finished her day by going just 1-over on the final nine holes.
“The back nine – which was my front nine – I probably could have sunk a lot more putts. It took me a while to get used to the greens,” she said. “I’m not disappointed with my score. I wish I could have done a little better, but shoot, 79, I’m not going to complain about it.”
Gutierrez said the course was in good condition, while the rain held off for much of the morning, despite a low-lying fog present throughout the course.
She added that some of the greens were fast while others were slow, but she didn’t have issues with it at all. And, of course, butterflies and nerves came into play, but quickly vanished after her first hole.
“I figured it’s my last CCS, just go out there and give it your all. Whatever happens, happens,” Gutierrez said. “I wasn’t going to go out there and get too angry.”
After shooting a 44 on her front nine, holes 10-18, Gutierrez finished with a 35 on the back nine.
“I can’t complain,” she said. “I played a pretty decent round … I’m going to really miss playing for Hollister.”
This was Gutierrez’ third time at the CCS, while her teammate O’Brien made her first appearance.
And while O’Brien shot eight strokes better compared to the TCAL Finals, her 86 Monday was her best score she’s ever recorded through 18 holes.
“Yeah, I’ve never had an 86 before for 18 holes,” O’Brien said. “That’s pretty good and I’ve never played here before, so I’m happy with what I shot today.”
O’Brien shot a 7-over 45 on holes 10-18, and finished the first nine holes with a 7-over 41.
“I tried to come in as being the least nervous as possible, but there’s always intimidation. This is CCS, everyone here is pretty good,” O’Brien said. “After the first tee shot, the butterflies came out. After that, I was OK.”
O’Brien said the course was nice, with slightly faster greens and water hazards that she said influenced the way she played.
“It’s right in there,” O’Brien said of her score. “I’m very happy with how I did.”
Official results were not posted as of press time.
Branon was proud and pleased of not only Gutierrez and O’Brien, but of his team this season as well. He commented on his four seniors – Gutierrez, O’Brien, Amanda Frey and Jordan Archer – for their contributions to the squad, and acting as assistant coaches to the team.
“The team this year, they’ve all worked hard to improve their scores,” Branon said. “Today, their scores have made my season.”
