Boys Golf: Fire forces CdM golfers off course

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA - Golfers competing in the CIF Southern

Section Individual Tournament at Tijeras Creek Golf Club Monday didn’t

know a raging inferno in the hills nearby would force them off the

course, canceling their round, with no makeup date yet announced.

But that’s just what happened Monday as a fire that broke out at about

2:45 p.m., and burned near the intersection of Antonio and Oso parkways

causing voluntary evacuations of homeowners in the communities of Wagon

Wheel, Las Flores and Coto de Caza, forced golfers off nearby Tijeras

Creek after beginning play on the course’s back nine that runs parallel

to Antonio Parkway.

“It was right next to the golf course,” said Corona del Mar Coach Mike

Starkweather. “After five holes they yanked (the golfers) off the golf

course. It’s unfortunate after all the hard work and preparation. We’re

waiting to hear from CIF, but we’re not going back there. I just hope we

can complete this divisional tournament before Friday because the next

round is in the desert on Monday.”

The top 22, and ties are supposed to advance to Monday’s CIF

Individual Finals at Canyon Country Club.

CdM juniors Tim Frohling and Nick Sherman were both about 2-over par

through six or seven holes before play was suspended, Starkweather said.

Golfers had completed anywhere from five to nine holes before course

marshals ordered everyone off the course, Starkweather said.

Water-dropping helicopters flew down to scoop water from the course

water hazards to battle the blaze, Starkweather said.