MONTEREY — The wet greens in the morning called for adjustments with her approach. Balls that normally spin back, were being soaked up like a sponge on the soggy grass.
Nikki Iniakov figured it out early, carding a three-under over the first nine holes Tuesday at the Central Coast Section golf finals.
Then came a 30-minute delay while the remainder of the field teed off on the 10th hole, allowing the Stevenson freshman time reset for the final nine holes at Laguna Seca Golf Course
“It gave me time to relax and restart,” said Iniakov, who was the medalist two weeks earlier at the Pacific Coast Athletic League finals.
Perhaps it was too much time as Iniakov double-bogeyed the hole. However, it was about the only thing that did not go well, as Iniakov finished with a 2-under 70 to advance to the Northern California championships.
“I wasn’t too happy with that hole,” Iniakov said. “I just told myself there are many holes ahead. Plan out the holes and I will be fine.”
Iniakov was the only county qualifier, finishing with the third lowest score among individuals or teams. She will compete Monday at Berkeley Country Club.
As a team the Gabilan Division champion Pirates finished one spot out of advancing, placing fourth with a 410 score — its first top five finish at the CCS finals in 13 years. Carmel was the only other county team to qualify, shooting a 421.
“We are going to be exciting to watch for the next few years,” Stevenson coach Jason McArthur said.
Iniakov birded four holes during her five plus hour round, hitting the greens on 16 of her shots on the fairways over 18 holes.
While the winds stayed relatively clam in the afternoon, there would be more adjustments for Iniakov as the greens began to dry up as temperatures climbed into the upper 60’s.
“It was hard to judge the spins on the ball,” Iniakov said. “In the afternoon, I found myself overshooting, thinking the ball wouldn’t spin back.”
Despite the humidity in the air drying up the course, Iniakov was driving the ball well, setting herself up for 13 pars. She just missed a birdie on her final hole, when a 23 foot shot on the 18th hit lip of the rim and just sat on the edge.
Having shot a 1-over 71 two weeks ago at the league finals at Laguna Seca, Iniakov shot one stroke better, despite the holes being extended for the CCS finals.
“Obviously the restart didn’t work out too well on No. 10,” Iniakov said. “But I felt I was more consistent today with my approach and putts.”
Craven, who won the PURE Insurance Open last month, finished with an 81, while freshman Michelle Wang shot a 79. Emma Chang, Katrina Wu and Siobhan Ong rounded out the Pirates group.
“It would have been nice to have qualified,” said Carven, who is on a handful of college radars. “I messed up on two holes. It cost me a lot of strokes. I’m just bummed. This wasn’t how I expected it to end.”
Golf will not be a part of Elle Bohlman’s college future as the Carmel four-sport standout played her last high school match, finishing with an 82.
“My high school golf career was amazing,” said Bohlman, who kicked a field goal and caught pass last week for the Padres football team. “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished out here over four years.”
A two-time all-leaguer in golf, Bohlman struggled in the morning rounds, before regrouping to close out one chapter at Carmel.
“The morning was tough,” said Bohlman, who also plays basketball and lacrosse. “There were some shots I could have — should have made.”
Rounding out the Padres CCS finals team were Ellie Rydeheard, Ariana Smith, Anna Kroeker, Sophie Southard and Lauren Fitzpatrick.