Russell, Moorhead advance

LA HABRA HEIGHTS — Newport Harbor High junior Travis Russell shot a two-over-par 73 and Corona del Mar High freshman Mike Moorhead carded a 74 to advance to the CIF SCGA Championship.

Russell had a roller-coaster type day, sinking five birdies, yet had five bogeys and a double bogey Tuesday at the CIF Southern Section Individual Championship at Hacienda Golf Club.

“I was all over the place,” said Russell, who became the first Sailor golfer to advance to the CIF SCGA Tournament in Scott Tarnow’s nine years as coach. “It was a little scramble. It was tough going into it, not really knowing the golf course. A few of the holes were not awkward, but just tricky. I played great and moved on so that’s all I can ask for.”

Moorhead was also thrilled to advance, but not as excited about his round. He had one birdie, but said he had several par saves.

“I didn’t play my ‘A’ game, but I made it through,” said Moorhead, who becomes the first CdM player to advance to the CIF SCGA in Mike Starkweather’s 12 years as coach. “It was a pretty difficult course. I was pretty consistent throughout the day.”

Moorhead said he felt he played much better when he won the Pacific Coast League finals after shooting a sizzling 11-under 133 at Mile Square Golf Course May 6.

He hopes to regain that type of play June 3 at the SCGA Members Club course in Murrieta. The top six advance to the CIF State Championship at Poppy Hills Golf Course at Pebble Beach June 10.

Servite’s Patrick Cantlay won Tuesday with a five-under 66.

Russell tied with three others for the fifth-best score, while Moorhead tied with five others to be among the 31 who advanced.

CdM freshman John Davenport shot a 78 and missed the cut by two strokes. Estancia freshman Jake Knapp shot a 79.

— From staff reports