Green Valley wins zone golf title

Spencer Patterson

Wednesday, May 10, 2000 | 9:43 a.m.

Gusty winds and unfamiliar surroundings couldn't derail the favorites at Tuesday's 4A Southern Zone Golf Championship at Henderson's Anthem Country Club.

In team competition, Green Valley came in with a 16-0 record and left with a nine-stroke victory over second-place Durango and its fourth zone title in the last nine years.

In individual action, Durango junior Chad Fosburg continued to make the annual zone event his personal playground, posting a 1-under 71 (36-35) to capture the championship. Fosburg also won as a freshman and took second last season.

Though they came in with just one practice round at the tricky Anthem course, the Gators took control of the team race from the start.

Ryan Gomm led the way for Green Valley, finishing second with an even-par 72 (35-37). He was joined by four teammates in the top nine -- Drew Scott (75), Nick Lorenz (77), Colton West (79) and Corey Baird (80).

Green Valley will set its sights on next week's two-day 4A State Tournament at Henderson's Dragon Ridge Country Club. The Gators, who placed third last year, are seeking their fourth state championship.

"We're excited, but we've been working toward state all season," Green Valley coach Del Sagers said. "I told them it's like shaving -- no matter how good a job you do today you have to come back and do it tomorrow."

The Gators wound up with a team score of 383. Also qualifying for the state tournament were Durango (392), Cimarron-Memorial (418) and Bonanza (419). Palo Verde missed out on next week's festivities by 10 strokes, with Silverado 20 strokes behind the Panthers.

On the individual side, Fosburg battled fierce winds to finish one shot ahead of Gomm. Durango's Randy Creighton and Scott finished tied with 75s, with Creighton winning a one-hole playoff for third place.

"I just hung in there," Fosburg said. "I hit a lot of greens today, and that was the main thing, especially with the wind."

Clark's Jonathan Taruc finished with a 78 to earn a spot at next week's state tournament. Also claiming individual berths were: Bishop Gorman's Mark Leseberg (79), Palo Verde's Jeremy Keller (80) and Steve Crossley (84) and Mojave's Matt Jolley (85).

Spencer Patterson covers prep sports for the Sun. Reach him at 259-4085 or by e-mail at spencer@lasvegassun.com