Prep Impressions: April 18, 2011
I covered the Riverside Poly-Corona Santiago boys varsity golf match at the Golf Club at Glen Ivy for the The Press-Enterprise on Monday, April 18, 2011, and came away thinking freshman Aaron Wise is every bit the leader of the Sharks.
The lanky 6-foot-2 righty was poised and in control of his game this afternoon, and was merely annoyed (and not rattled) when I noisily drove my golf cart alongside the green at hole No. 1. (In my defense, driving a real golf cart ain’t like riding a bicycle. It’s more a mix between go-cart and ATV, and on driving paths of varying degrees and curves. And it’s been a while.)
I got the stare down from Wise right then and there and I knew he meant business, no matter his age or relative inexperience.
He went on to shoot a four-under 32 as Santiago defeated Poly to take control of the Big VIII League.
As the Sharks celebrated near the club house with cookies provided by one of the Moms, Wise’s teammate congratulated him on shooting the second-best round in school history.
He shared handshakes with playing partner John Swierczek and a fist bump with Taylor Hood. He spoke briefly with coach John Lane. who was clearly trying to downplay his excitement over the prospect of having Wise for three more seasons.
Who can blame him? With the recent additions of Riverside County’s Ricky Fowler (Temecula) and Brenden Steele (Idyllwild) to the PGA Tour, can another star be far from the horizon?
His coach and teammates seem to know it’s Wise. I think he may even know it.
So watch out for Aaron Wise. He may be shooting into the sky sooner than later.
INLAND FIELDHOUSE 