Matteo Bonales didn’t perform like an underclassman during his first season with Central Valley’s varsity boys golf program.
Bonales earned first-team all-Central California Conference honors for his impressive play.
“It’s a big accomplishment,” he said. “There were some good players in the CCC. They (the competition) thought I was older. When they found out I was a freshman, they were surprised.”
Bonales shot a 7-over-par 79 en route to a third-place finish at the CCC Championships on April 30 at Ranch Del Rey.
He took second at the CCC Midseason Tournament on March 28. Bonales shot a 75 at Diablo Grande.
Bonales compiled an 8-4 record during the conference’s dual season.
Bonales finished in eighth place (81) at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-III Tournament on May 6 at Ridge Golf Course. The top six individuals moved on to Masters.
Getting to compete against high-level players makes you more relaxed. Hopefully, I can win league and make it to or past Masters next year.”Matteo Bonales
“I was confident going into the season,” he said. “I’ve played in tournaments most of my life. Getting to compete against high-level players makes you more relaxed. Hopefully, I can win league and make it to or past Masters next year.”
Matteo’s older brother Anthony is Central Valley’s all-time greatest male golfer.
“I take a lot of advice from him,” Matteo said.
Anthony (class of 2014) was the top player in the Western Athletic Conference his senior, sophomore and freshman years. He qualified for Divisionals four times. He advanced to Masters twice. Anthony earned a golf scholarship to UC Riverside.
“There’s pressure to do as good as he did or even better,” Matteo said. “I just try to perform my best. It’s an honor to be a leader and role model on the team.”
