The Coronado High School boys’ golf team added another major milestone to their 2024 season by claiming the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division 3 championship title. The Islanders secured the title with ease, finishing eight strokes ahead of their nearest competitor, The Bishop’s School.
The first day of the tournament, on May 5, saw solid performances from the team at Steele Canyon Golf Club, with freshman Ty Smock shooting three over par and junior Diego Vargas keeping close to par. Their strong start laid a solid foundation for the Islanders.
On the second day, held at Torrey Pines North Course on May 13, Vargas delivered an outstanding one-under-par round, finishing sixth overall in a field of over 100 players. This performance not only helped secure the team’s victory, but also earned Vargas a place in the CIF Individual Regional Playoffs at Serrano Hills Golf Course in Chino Hills.
Vargas said being patient with his golf game and Head Coach Stuart Gordon’s support were two factors that contributed to his performance at Torrey Pines.
“I knew I had to put up a good score to go to regionals,” Vargas said. “I had no doubt that I was gonna do it because I love Torrey Pines and the layout of the course.”
Smock recorded an even-par round at the CIF Division 3 championship tournament, securing his qualification for the Individual Regional Playoffs as well.
“I was proud of myself,” Smock said. “I had a lot of adversity the first day and to qualify was pretty fun … there’s only a couple of freshmen that did.”
Vargas said being able to go to regionals alongside Smock to represent Coronado meant a lot and Gordon said both of the golfers have great characteristics that aid their game.
“Diego is reliable and wants to win — to play well,” Gordon said. “Ty’s a freshman, so he still has a lot to learn. His scores this year have been fantastic … and he’s got a great future.”
Senior captain Liam Weaver tied for 36th place with a 12-over-par over 36 holes. Junior Connor Wray finished T-56 at 17-over-par, while junior Daniel Girault and senior Kyle Kuester rounded out the team’s performance, finishing T-82 and T-97, respectively.
Coronado placed sixth overall among 12 teams, including DI and DII teams, and outperformed four DI teams. The Islanders were one of just four teams with multiple top-10 individual finishes, highlighting the depth and talent within the squad.
With this victory, the 2024 Islanders have firmly etched their name in the school’s sports history.
Vargas and Smock continued their historic run in the CIF State playoffs from May 22-23 at the SoCal Regional Championship at Los Serranos Golf Course (North Course).
According to Gordon, Smock never had anything but a par and ended up with a four-under for the Individual Regionals. This qualified him with four other players out of 123 players.
“Unfortunately, there were only four places to get to state left,” Gordon said.
Smock hit the longest drive, but his approach shot bounced hard and went through the green into a difficult area. On the first playoff hole, three players made it in, leaving Smock and another player for the second playoff spot.
Smock’s drive on the second hole landed against tree roots. Even though he managed to get it on the green, the other player placed his ball right next to the flag, which meant Smock was eliminated.
“It’s a young team,” Gordon said, “apart from three juniors I’ve got, they’re all sophomores or freshmen. So with the extra experience, I expect us to do even better next year.”
Smock and Vargas said their goals for the following years at CHS include going to the state championship and putting out a good score.
“Coach Stuart does a really good job and keeps us with a winning mentality and [I] implement that in my practice and every time I go out to the course,” Vargas said.
