Sweet revenge:Tars take Pelican from CdM

NEWPORT BEACH — The Newport Harbor High boys’ golf team can check off one of its top goals for the season.

The Sailors edged Corona del Mar, 193-195, at Newport Beach Country Club’s par-35 course Wednesday and took back the Pelican Cup, which goes to the winner of the annual two-match series between the Back Bay rivals.

It was the Sailors’ fourth consecutive victory and seventh in their last eight.

“That was a big goal for us,” said Newport Harbor Coach Scott Tarnow, whose team improved to 8-4. “It’s always good to go to another team’s course and pick up a win. Corona del Mar is a tremendous team. It was a good win today.”

Sea Kings Coach Mike Starkweather remained happy as his team posted its lowest score of the season, which has been turbulent without two of its top four golfers due to injury.

“That’s what our whole season is about, working hard,” Starkweather said as he worked on putting with members of the team.

Corona del Mar had two of the three low scores on the day as junior Taylor Keddington, who had three birdies, took medalist honors with a two-under 33, followed by the Sailors’ Bryce Greeley with a 34, then the Sea Kings’ David Su with a 35.

Keddington, who posted his second under-par score in as many days, excitedly teed off for another nine holes, with Tarnow and members of each team, following the match.

“I have been working really hard,” said Keddington. “It would have been nice to win today. I’m hoping to keep it up.”

Starkweather said Keddington nearly finished at three-under Tuesday but he three-putted for par on the final hole to finish his round for par.

“The greens were freshly sanded,” Starkweather said. “He’s confident and he’s worked hard. Effort plus confidence equals success.”

As the first group stepped to the final hole, No. 9, a competitive round came to a climax. Greeley and Su were both at even par as they teed off on the 407-yard, par four. Neither player needed to be told the other’s score.

“I went out of the trees to within three feet,” Greeley said of how he birdied the hole. “I always take pride in the Pelican Cup. We lost it last year. They’re very good and David is playing well. I tried to stay on my game. We both wanted to beat each other.”

Greeley said because the two were tied he played the ninth hole more aggressive then he would have had he been up on Su by multiple strokes.

Su, who parred the hole, said he played aggressive throughout, ending with the odd line of having parred every hole.

“I think I did it once last year,” Su said of parring every hole. “I’m pretty happy with the score today, but nothing dropped. It’s fun when you play aggressive, but it also has its consequences.”

Starkweather paired Su with freshman Alex Ludlow, who he brought up recently from the junior varsity squad.

“One of the best things about putting Alex and David together is that it was like the master teaching the student,” Starkweather said. “It really came together today. It helps build confidence.”

Camden Nicholson (40) and Josh Starnes (45) also scored for the Sea Kings (5-7).

Chase Behr (39), Justin Morehead (40), Dan Darnell (40) and Andrew Skjonsby (40) scored for the Sailors.

“This should be our best team,” said Tarnow, who is in his seventh season. “There are a lot of expectations. Every player has the capability of bringing us all even. I couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s nice to know you can beat anybody on any given day.”