The 2023 NorCal High School Golf Championships teed off on May 22 at the Berkeley Country Club in El Cerrito. At this tournament, the Campolindo boys varsity golf team hopes for a win that will extend their phenomenal season by giving them a chance to display their talent against other California teams at State.

Their 2023 play has already brought substantial success – an undefeated DAL season, an NCS 2nd place finish, and All League recognition awarded to five Campo players, including League MVP honors for senior Justin Rodriguez. As the team enters the NorCal tournament with hopes for a trophy, players were asked to reflect on their exciting season.

Rodriguez said, “this was my strongest year with Campo golf…we were by far the most successful public school in the area.” He described a huge factor driving the team’s 2023 success was how the team chemistry evolved over the course of the season, allowing players to have better mentality, confidence and thus better performances at tournaments. Rodriguez said, “It was exciting to get closer with all the guys, and I’m very confident that the team will continue to play well next season.”

Junior James Giordani said, “Justin was a great mentor for all of us. He also received all-league MVP which was definitely a high point during the season.” Giordani also reflected on how Campo could compete with some of the area’s top programs this year, “[the team] came really close to beating De La Salle, and they’re one of the best teams in Northern California, and they have a ton of college commits.”

The team stayed consistent throughout the entire season. At most matches and tournaments the team won easily, with several tournament wins having a margin of over 10 shots. Most recently, the Cougs had especially strong performances at the Gambetta and Trans Bay tournaments, coming in first at both.

Giordani also attributed the team’s success to the bonds he has built over the course of the season: “They were a really fun group of guys to practice, play, and be on the road with.” Overall, the team is very excited to be competing together in the NorCal championships, and are hopeful for a shot at State.

Even though the team is losing a few seniors with the year coming to a close, they still hold a great deal of talent. “Some of our best players are sticking around next year, and I can’t wait to see the younger guys grow their skills,” said Rodriguez. The future is bright for Campo boys golf and it will be exciting to see them continuing to succeed in upcoming seasons.