Benicia High’s boys golf team knows the front nine at the Mare Island Course better than any high school squad in the country. The back nine, however, is unfamiliar territory for the Panthers, and that was the site of their non-league match Monday against visiting College Park.

The Panthers, playing the back nine at Mare Island for the first time this season, battled wind and uncharted territory for a 207-223 victory. The 207 was a bit of a disappointment for Benicia, which averaged 199 strokes in three matches on the front nine this year. But considering the unfamiliar course conditions and the solid round turned in by the Falcons, Benicia was more than happy with the final result.

“That back nine at Mare Island is really unforgiving,” said Benicia golf coach Mike Prolo. “It’s really exposed with hardly any trees and the wind affects things a lot more. It’s like a completely different course compared to the front nine.”

Several Panthers had little to no experience on the back nine, but seasoned veterans conquered the course like they’d played it dozens of times. Nick Flores was medalist for the day after shooting a 3-over-par 38. Zack McClure birdied the 16th and 17th holes and finished with a 39, and teammates Evan Cuenco and Connor Hatfield each shot a 42. Dustin Sparks rounded out Benicia’s scorecard with a 46.

The Panthers are expected to see College Park again when both teams compete in the Transbay Tournament in Rossmoor on April 13. Benicia returns to Solano County Athletic Conference competition when it takes on Vanden at the Green Tree Golf Course on Thursday. The Panthers have gone unbeaten in SCAC play three years in a row and have won 49 straight conference matches.

Sharing is caring!