Esperanza’s Men’s golf team started their season with three wins and one near miss by only five strokes in a match loss to Foothill. The team began their year facing El Modena at Yorba Linda Country Club. Blake Jacobsen, Nate Winchell, and Bradley Knowles led the Aztecs to a landslide victory by over 15 strokes. Next up, the Aztecs faced Valencia on back-to-back days. Noteworthy in these home and away matches is the Aztec personal best at YLCC with a team score of 204. The Aztecs competed in the Servite tournament at Western Hills Golf Club for the first time in years. This tournament provided a great opportunity with some of the best Southern California teams.

Coach Claborn gave a summary of how the season is so far. “The boys got off to a solid start this season with victories over El Modena and Valencia, but we faltered last week in our first league match versus Foothill (219 to 215). We lost by only four shots, so it was a little discouraging, knowing that we have the potential. We’ve had some excellent performances from those at the top of the lineup, with Bradley Knowles and Blake Jacobsen earning two medalist honors each in the last two weeks. However, we will need to pull together as a team if we expect to compete against other league competitors such as Troy and El Dorado.” With rain in the forecast, lining up the next couple of weeks, the golf team is focusing on ensuring they are still on their game to get their best opportunity to position themselves as a league contender. The Aztecs are off to a great start, being 4-3 in their overall record. They have plenty of matches left in their season and are projected to have another CIF appearance. Although they have played some fantastic courses throughout their season, their home course sets it apart. The Esperanza golf team has been blessed with the opportunity to have their home course be Yorba Linda Country Club. With the golf course being private, most outside teams have never played the course before. Having a proper home advantage in golf can go a long way. Coach Claborn wraps up his perspective, stating, “Overall, I’m encouraged by the camaraderie and sportsmanship these guys have exhibited and how the seniors are showing the younger players the pride in being an Aztec golfer.”