It is possible to still hear the echoes of golf-claps whenever Niall Platt ’10 is mentioned. However, the days of remembering Laguna golf are coming to a close; the spotlight will soon shift to the present, with sophomore captain Kiyan Mashhoon leading the charge.
“If we belonged to a league, Kiyan would win it, and that’s the truth,” said golf coach Mr. Peter Angeloff.
However, Kiyan is not alone in Laguna golf’s recent resurgence; he had much help in leading the Owls to a 7-0 season. He is backed up by sophomore Alec Abajian and the freshmen trio of Ryan Bickett, Sam Brown and Jack Kinsler. “Although they’re not yet at the level of Mashhoon or Abajian, those three are well on their way to some golf glory,” added Angeloff.
On the season, Bickett, Brown, and Kinsler averaged 42, 43 and 47, respectively, on 9-holes. While they hope to improve, these marks are already notable: “these three really stepped up their game this year, and put up some great scores—next year will be even better,” said Kiyan.
The three budding link-lovers, since they will be playing alongside—and possibly against—each other for the duration of high school, were able to offer “gentle” critiques of one another…

Sam, on Ryan: “Ryan Bickett is just a swell guy, not to mention a superb golfer. He and I go head-to-head due to our relatively similar skill levels, and our competition stays friendly. I have come to admire Ryan’s athletic spark, which allows him to pull of some nice shots. He could use some work around the greens, and a little more consistency from the tee, but he is already growing into an amazing player. Ryan is still an overall impressive guy.”

Ryan, on Jack: “Jack Kinsler is a joy to play with on the course, and is quite motivated to become an even better golfer than he is now. It may be a touchy subject, but he should probably figure out that funky half-swing of his, for you can only hit so many imitation punch shots.”

Jack, on Sam: “Well, Sam Brown is an interesting young Brit. He excels at the game’s technical side. However, I am mentoring and enlightening him on the tools needed to equip him with insights that are KEY to the difficult game we call golf. Mr. Brown is a nice kid and a crazy golfer  who will continue to steadily improve.”

The golf team will miss the presence of seniors Brandon Bickett and James Cornell, although, with its underclassman-heavy roster, the team is far from worried.
“There is no doubt that we can do greater things next year. I can’t wait to dust off my spikes and learn more from the masterful ways of Ace,” said Sam.