Good Vibes Breed Good Golf Programs

The relationship between a high school golf team and the courses it plays on can greatly affect the quality of the school’s program.

Santa Margarita, Trabuco Hills, El Toro and Newport Harbor are among the traditionally strong programs in Orange County, and it’s no coincidence that each has an impeccable relationship with the courses it plays.

Santa Margarita is so tight with Coto de Caza that when Tijeras Creek unexpectedly canceled an Eagle match last month, Coach Tim O’Hara rescheduled it at Coto de Caza on one day’s notice.

El Toro Coach Bob Bosanko couldn’t ask for a better situation. His is the only team that plays at the Marine base. He says head pro Wally Bradley goes far beyond the call of duty in helping his team.

“He’s an old school guy,” Bosanko said. “He’s always been such a major help to junior golf. If all head pros were like him, it would be smooth sailing.”

The Irvine schools--Woodbridge, University and Irvine--are generally happy with Oak Creek, Strawberry Farms and Rancho San Joaquin.

“They’ve been tremendous,” Woodbridge Coach Tracy Roberts said. “You always want to expand the number of tee times you get, but they have been very welcome to the girls’ game.”

Newport Harbor’s relationships with Santa Ana Country Club and Big Canyon run deeper than just golf.

The school has mentoring programs with the clubs. Newport Harbor students interested in medicine are put in touch with doctors from the clubs. Students interested in law meet lawyers.

“The school and the club need to become partners,” Sailor Coach Jim Warren said. “The principals and the head pros should have a relationship, then a lot of the roadblocks will be broken down.”

All of these programs give back to the clubs. Their team members replace divots and help with other course maintenance. They caddie and help score at club tournaments.

“You avoid problems by working with the coaches,” said Mark Reehl, head professional at Santa Ana Country Club. “Let them know that how they behave dictates if they will come back.”

The quality of these courses also helps in advancing the skills of the players, leading to better teams.

“There will always be an advantage to schools that play at friendly courses,” Roberts said. “Especially if they can use the course whenever they want.”

Warren says courses that aren’t accommodating are missing the boat. “Those courses out there who aren’t being friendly, maybe they need to join the parade.”