Costa Golfers Emerge From Fog to Beat Redondo Union

Led by rounds of 37 from sophomore J.P. Harper and senior William Chryar, Mira Costa High defeated Redondo Union 192-206 on Tuesday at Los Verdes Golf Course in a match that started in fog and continued in a light rain.

"I was just focused on keeping my grips dry early in the round," said Chryar, who missed short birdie putts on the first two holes, but got one back at the eighth.

With the victory, the Mustangs improved to 15-2 on the season and 8-1 in Bay League play. Coach Bob Timberlake was pleased with his team, and is anxiously awaiting the beginning of league qualifying and CIF tournament action that kicks off in May.

"We are young, but we are talented," Timberlake said. "These guys have played a lot of junior golf and they are learning that they are really the only ones who can hurt themselves. It's a maturation process."

Sophomore Michael D'Angelo was one shot behind his teammates, carding a 38 on the picturesque 3,367-yard front nine at Los Verdes.

"The start of the round was tough, I went out of bounds and doubled number one," D'Angelo said.  "I was happy with my putting, though. It helped me get back some shots as the day went on."

D'Angelo recovered and as the rain dissipated, he made birdies on holes six and on eight where he punched out from under a tree to six feet. 

The Mustangs were without some of their regular starters—Kyle Nakazaki, David Kim and brothers Ryann and Lawrence Ree had the day off to work on their games. Timberlake is eager to see how his group comes together as the post-season approaches.

"Competition, competition, competition," Timberlake said. "The great thing about golf is you let your game do the talking. These guys have been working hard and it will all come down to their mental games and handling the pressure.

"J.P. and William played well today, Kent [Mayzell] went out and put up a number we're happy with, it was a really solid round for him," Timberlake said. 

"Tyler Nakazaki had a good round going until his eight on the final hole and I know Michael  [D'Angelo] wasn't really happy with his score, but it was a good team score and that's important."

The Mustangs echoed their coach's eagerness for post-season play. Mira Costa will play Redondo again on Thursday, this time at their home course of Chester Washington, and then move onto Bay League qualifying in May.

"I want to work on my chipping a little, but I'm really excited for qualifying and CIF," D'Angelo said.

"The 18-hole 'day-of' events are great, because they bring a sense of immediacy," Timberlake said. "You have your one round to show what you're made of; it's all about mental toughness and maturity. These guys have been working hard and it will all come down to their mental games and handling that pressure."