Sampson leads Southwestern League sweep of podium at CIF-SS Central Region golf qualifier

Derryl Trujillo Sports Writer

MURRIETA – Every now and again a golfer can become the victim of overthinking and recently that was Great Oak senior golfer Nathan Sampson, a signee to San Diego State.

Then two months ago his father Jeff, a PGA professional at Redhawk and the current Wolfpack coach, worked with his son on speeding up his thinking over shots. It’s a lesson that has paid dividends for the younger Sampson with a win in the Southwestern League tournament two weeks ago, and on Monday, May 8, a win in the CIF-SS Central Region Individual Qualifier after a round of 67 (-5) at Murrieta’s Bear Creek Golf Club. It’s the second straight year a Great Oak player has prevailed in the qualifier with Ryan Abuan winning last year. Monday, May 8, was a day that had little wind, soft greens and easy hole locations so opportunities were there for lots of birdies. It took low numbers to both win and advance into the next round.

Sampson

Chayce Frye both shot -4 rounds of 68 to claim championship plaques. As his group turned to the front nine, Abuan actually had a lead after making a six-foot putt for birdie at the 18th but he’d give that shot back at the number two hole after finding the pine straw off the tee.

“I was always the fastest player out there when I was younger,” Nathan said. “But then I slowed down and became the guy that got put on the clock. My dad made me realize that the way I play my best golf is by playing fast and that’s what I’ve been getting back to.”

Abuan made three birdies in six holes highlighted by a wedge shot to tap in distance at 13 to go out in 32 (-4). He was even par on the front nine and after missing a birdie putt at eight left himself a see GOLF, page C-3 and Chaparral’s