PREP BOYS GOLF: In-team competition helping Great Oak thrive




When the dust settled, Forss had edged the veteran Harries, 146-149, and Boyatt had his first taste of how in-team competition could push his golfers to new heights.

"I remember that it was a battle between Alex and D.J. and there was this energy of them feeding off of each other," Boyatt said. "That was the first time I realized that this competition within the team was as motivational as anything. You had this environment where you have to beat someone to keep your spot."

Over the years, that competition has led to more and more golfers working on their game outside of team functions. If a golfer ever had a question about where he stood on the team, Boyatt's website ---- ---- kept detailed statistics on every Great Oak golfer's scores, as well as complete Southwestern League scores. On top of that, anyone outside the top six has opportunities to win starting spots throughout the season.

Sophomore Blake Perry, for instance, has forced his way into the lineup at one point this season and is five strokes ahead of last year's average. Juniors Jose Pelayo (80.8), Keenan Kalthoff (81.7), Simon Namgoong (82.0) and sophomore Michael Pugh (83.4) have also all shaved significant strokes off their game in what's become almost a cut-throat gauntlet to make the team.

They're all friends, Boyatt says. But they all know they're competing for valuable spots on the team.

 "When you come to Great Oak High School, most of the guys who've made the team have gone on to play in college," said Boyatt, who is not fielding a JV team in 2011. "So making the team is a big deal. That's a coach's dream to have that environment ---- 'I'm going to have to be really good to make the team.'"

Lozon knows that fact better than most.

He was in contention for a varsity spot until an 8-over 44 on the third day of tryouts last year pushed his average outside the top six by half a stroke. A month later, after refocusing his priorities, Lozon forced his way back onto the team and ended his season with victory in the Southwestern League finals.

"I buckled down and got it done," said Lozon, who's now signed with Cal State San Marcos. "I just had to focus and find some way to get it done."



