Dropping a few collective strokes could lead to big things for
Acorns
SAN JOSE — When you play nine holes, the difference between a good afternoon of golf and a great one comes down to a couple holes.
Alex Avon knows firsthand. Ask him about his best round this season, and the Live Oak senior will tell you about the 41 he carded last week against Santa Teresa on the Valley Course at Coyote Creek Golf Club.
That included a triple bogey.
“There’s always one or two holes that mess everything up,” the lefty said Thursday. “My accuracy is a lot better this year. My drives and approach shots are finding the green, and I’ve been pretty consistent. Other than the occasional bad hole each game, it’s been a good season.”
Fittingly, coach Tom Sumpter isn’t too frustrated with the Acorns’ 1-8 start (1-4 league). The team has been on the cusp of beating several teams in Mount Hamilton Division play only to come up a few strokes short.
Live Oak was missing its second-best scorer, Ryan Colton, two weeks ago against Santa Teresa and lost by a narrow margin. On March 3, Willow Glen nipped the Acorns behind two season-best efforts by the Rams’ top players; one of whom carded a hole-in-one.
“We only have six teams in our league this year,” said Sumpter, now in his second year as coach. “I’d say there’s four teams that can finish behind Leland and Leigh. All it takes is a couple strokes.”
With hopes of reaching the May 3 Blossom Valley Athletic League Team Playoffs fading fast, the Acorns are focused solely on improving individually. Only two players from each team are guaranteed a spot in the BVAL Individual Championship tournament held May 4 at Santa Teresa Golf Club. Sumpter hopes to get a few more of his players in. Seniors Avon and Colton, who shoot in the mid 40s on average, will likely advance, but sophomores Marc Noble and Ben Hartl, and freshman Cameron Moeller also are starting to break 50.
“We have potentially more than a few guys who will go far individually,” Sumpter said. “I’m excited for where the team’s going.”
Like Avon, Colton is trying to “keep things consistent” in his final season. Colton is carding the same scores he was posting near the end of last spring.
“I’m at a better place right now, so I’m hoping to join Alex at BVALs,” he said. “For me, golf’s not just about winning, it’s about doing your best. Deep down, though, I’m in it to win out. That comes out sometimes.
“I’d like to shave a few strokes off each match and break into the 30s; see how far I can go.”
His next chance is today at Summitpointe Golf Club, where the Acorns will host Branham beginning at 2:30 p.m.
