HILMAR — Coming off somewhat of a lackluster performance in its Coastal Mountain Conference opener on Thursday, the Kelseyville High School golf team found its stride on Monday in the Hilmar Tournament, finishing third among an elite field of 20 teams at the ultra-difficult Stevinson Ranch course.
“It”s used for regional U.S. Open qualifying,” Kelseyville coach John Berry said of the par-72 layout that has a course rating of 74.2. “It”s one of the five hardest courses I”ve ever played on.”
Each team fielded five golfers but only the four low rounds were counted. Galt came in first with 329, Golden Valley was next at 334, Kelseyville followed with 344, Oakdale was next with 350, and Turlock Christian rounded out the top five at 354.
“It”s a big-time tournament and a strong field,” Berry said. “This was good jump start for us.”
Tyler Drake, who struggled to a 106 on a relatively easy Mount St. Helena Golf Course in Calistoga during the Knights” conference opener last week, turned it completely around on Monday, firing an 82 that led the Knights. Nick Schaefer was a shot back at 83, Hipolito Perez had 89 and Jonathan Bridges carded a 90.
“He had a profound improvement from Calistoga,” said Berry, who credited former Lake County resident Gary Bagnani, a longtime star on the Lake County Amateur Golf Circuit, with helping not only Drake but also the rest of the team prior to the tournament.
“He lives down there and got us free practice rounds,” Berry said. “He helped us with some of the nuances of the course. A little piece of what we accomplished goes to Bagnani for his help and assistance.”
Wyatt Ferrell, a freshman, was the fifth member of the Kelseyville team. He finished with 99.
Drake and Perez each had two birdies during their rounds and Bridges had one.
The Hilmar Tourn-ament replaces the Lompoc and Atascadero tourneys on the Knights” season schedule.
“Those two didn”t line up with our spring break this year,” Berry said.
The Knights return to CMC action Thursday at Bodega Harbour.
