Will Brink isn’t immune to a bad a shot, a bad hole or even a bad round of golf.
The true test of his ability and talent, says East Union boys golf coach Dennis Wells, has been whether he can move past those moments.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Lancer senior and two-time reigning All-Area Golfer of the Year showed his mettle in a delivering a 207-253 win over crosstown rival Sierra.
Brink went low, clubbing Manteca Park Golf Course for a 3-under 34.
He wasted little time asserting himself, picking up where he left off during Monday’s 18-hole practice round. Brink shot a 7-under 67 and was 5-under through the first nine holes.
“The kid can go low,” Wells said.
Brink opened Tuesday’s VOL duel with back-to-back birdies on Holes 1 and 2, but it was his three-putt bogey on the sixth hole that was defining moment of his round.
At least for Wells.
Brink shook off the miscue and found his form, closing the nine-hole round at 2-under with birdies on the seventh and ninth holes.
“I told Will this months ago,” Wells started. “The sign of a good player is that they can make some bogeys but come right back with a few birdies. The kid keeps his composure; doesn’t get rattled by much.”
Jordan Lund had a 40, Kyle Davis a 43, and Eric Lewis and Nick Rounsville turned in matching 45s for the Lancers, now 3-0.
Ripon 201,
Modesto Christian 232
MODESTO – Locked in a duel with one of the Trans Valley League’s top seniors, Nick Sharp proved he belonged.
And then some.
The Ripon ace fired a match-low even-par 35 at Modesto Municipal golf course, edging Modesto Christian’s Kyle Intorf by three strokes.
Jack Brierly, Kyle Head and Robby Figeroid all carded 41s for Ripon.
Nathan Swuender rounded out the Indians’ scoring with a 43.
The afternoon belonged to Sharp, though.
“That was big for Nick. It’s confirmation to him that he belongs in that group,” Ripon coach Chris Musseman said. “When people talk about who’s the best in the league, Nick belongs there.
Manteca 197, Lathrop 284
FRENCH CAMP – Justin Morrish earned medalist honors, but Manteca’s No. 1-ranked player was pushed.
By a pair of his teammates, no less.
Morrish closed with a 38, one stroke better than Davey Tolbert and Brandon Ramirez.
Ray Tinnin posted a 40 and Gus LaDue a 41 for the Buffaloes (1-2, 2-3), who notched their first Valley Oak League win.
Lathrop was led by Geoff Fallon’s 50.
“A solid team effort today,” Manteca coach David Fontanilla said. “Hopefully, we can create some confidence against Oakdale.”
The Buffs welcome the Mustangs on Thursday.