Game On – April 2024

    There are not many 100-year-old country clubs that would trust their prized golf course to a band of high school boys. Heck, there aren’t many 100-year-old country clubs. But the Orinda Country Club, (known as the OCC to most folks) is the exception, and a long-time supporter of the Matadors golf program. Never charging the high school a fee – ever.
    Recently I started asking questions about the talent of the Miramonte boys’ golf team for 2024, and within everyone’s answer seemed to be an appreciation for the Orinda Country Club where the Matadors practice and compete.
    “To be able to learn on a course of this level and beauty is a dream come true, right?” said one parent who had come out to watch the action at the cusp of sunset in early March. It’s by far the oldest course the team plays on, and its beauty is almost a distraction.
It feels like there’s heritage and tradition in every blade of grass here.
    As most locals know, it’s an 18-hole course nestled in a hillside of old growth oaks and stunning views, providing challenging play, a variety of hole styles and picturesque fairways. It has a par 70, a slope rating of 132 and wildlife onlookers at almost every hole.
Great practice for our Miramonte team, which looks to be a strong one.
    Whittled down from the 60+ students who initially signed up for tryouts, the handful that made the team are outstanding. I watched seniors like John Dunne, Bowen Sande and Dylan Tung master some pretty dicey holes. One being the eighth. On the down slope surrounded by your choice of unfriendly sand traps. It’s what the boys playing it called “hairy.” And it’s only a par 3. Overshoot the green and your ball has a substantial downhill adventure.
    Knowing these unique course challenges makes our “home field” game strong.
    Head Coach Jack Schram told me he’s really looking forward to the season ahead with this particular team and can’t wait to host Campo back on our home turf at the OCC with this low-scoring crew.
    I know Miramonte would like to offer up a substantial thank you to the OCC board and the golfing members of the club. Their patience and support have been the driving force behind Miramonte’s ability to utilize their historic facilities. Their support of junior golf has not gone unnoticed and it is truly appreciated.
    That includes you, Shim LaGoy. In your time as a past Miramonte head coach and as the PGA Pro at the OCC you’ve made a substantial, positive impact in our team’s history.
    And an extra hat tip also should go out to the current OCC staff PGA Golf Pro Kyle Thornburg, one of the nicest guys you could meet and a vital piece of the machinery propelling the Mats’ success story forward.
    Happy 100 years, OCC. You folks make me realize why so many past Miramonte players have returned to raise their families here in your hillside community. Continuing the beautiful cycle of golf … um, I mean, life.