Coronado golfer Anderson Lee set a goal for himself after his freshman year, and now is his chance to complete the mission.
With the 5A boys season opening this week, Lee will be looking for his third state team championship and second individual crown. His chances for both are strong, as the Cougars once again lead the field heading into the first week of action.
“We didn’t make it to state in my freshman year,” the senior said. “It’s been our goal ever since to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
The Cougars defeated second-place Bishop Gorman in the 2024 state tournament and repeated that feat last season. Meanwhile, Lee won the individual title as a sophomore before tying for seventh in 2025.
Lee feels he controls his own destiny, as he has matured mentally with each passing season.
“To be honest, I’m not sure who else is out there,” he said of his competition. “And it doesn’t really matter. It’s just me versus everyone out there.”
His top individual competition will likely come from established veterans such as Faith Lutheran’s Nick Horodesky, Doral Academy’s Luke Chepiak and Michael Edwards, Palo Verde’s Matthew Maurice, Desert Oasis’ Nick Flores and Shadow Ridge’s Zach Kilgore.
Coronado coach Rusty Anderson knows every local opponent will be awaiting the chance to dethrone the Cougars, but he believes his standout golfer has the potential to help his squad weather any storm.
“Anderson’s definitely one of the kids in town that’s capable of winning,” the coach said, noting that Lee will join his older sister HaYoung Lee to play golf at UC Irvine next year. “There are just so many things that have to go right. But he’s got what it takes.”
Lee will be joined by an experienced Cougars core composed of Brent Chung, Eli Marshall, Sam Bennett and Jiho Park.
But several other teams also appear to have what it takes. Bishop Gorman finished second to Coronado by a single stroke in 2024, while Palo Verde and 5A newcomer Doral Academy also look strong.
All are aware that Coronado standout Brock Walters graduated after last season, a fact that could lead to opportunity.
“That was a big loss,” Anderson said. “But our returning guys are all familiar with each other, and I like this team.”
Gorman coach Dusty Allen said his squad is extra motivated by the back-to-back runner-up finishes.
“Our program is such that we’re going to be striving for the state championship every year,” Allen said. “And coming in second the last two years has really refuelled our players’ fire.”
Anderson understands that desire, and he knows there are no guarantees.
“Everybody has the goal of finishing at the top,” he said. “We made it the last two years, but the past is the past.”
Both coaches agreed that there is extreme parity in 5A golf this season.
“I think there are more teams than normal that are good enough to compete for the championship,” said Allen, who expects his team to be led by Colby Hutton, Scott Boschee, Benny Nelson, and Colton Rubenstein. “There are at least five. We just want to try to peak toward the postseason and have six of our guys firing on all cylinders.”
Lee, who began playing golf in Korea after watching Tiger Woods on television, is aware of the parity. But he still has a strong hunch about this year’s squad.
“This team is looking good,” he said. “Almost everyone is back, and I think this is the strongest team we’ve had.”
Gorman opens Mountain League play at 11:30 a.m. Monday, while Lee and the Cougars begin Desert League action at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, also at Paiute.
Contact Jeff Wollard at jwollard@reviewjournal.com.