By ROY HESS | Staff Writer
It’s becoming quite an eventful week for La Feria golfer Andy Cortez.
The senior golfing standout qualified for next month’s Class 4A state tournament Tuesday by placing second individually at the Region IV-4A Tournament in Corpus Christi.
On Friday, Cortez is scheduled to sign an athletic scholarship agreement to play next school year for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros.
While Cortez’s immediate future regarding golf and college appears to be set, the early part of the week has become pretty enjoyable, too.
“I’m super excited to be going back to state in my last year as a senior,” said Cortez, this season’s District 32-4A champion who advanced to the 4A state tournament for the first time as a sophomore. “Here I am (going to state again).”
On Tuesday, Cortez finished the two-day regional tournament at Corpus Christi’s Lozano Golf course with a 7-over-par 151 total, which was second behind top medalist Denver Schneider of Fredericksburg, who shot a 3-over-par 147. James Perry of Salado was the third medalist with a 9-over-par 153.
First-day leader Mason Richter of Gonzales, who opened with an even-par 72 on Monday, finished with a 154 after a round of 82 Tuesday. He still qualified for state individually since Perry’s Salado team and Schneider’s Fredericksburg team both qualified.
Golfers qualify for state from this week’s regional competition by finishing as one of the top three teams or finishing as one of the top three individual golfers not on a state-qualifying team.
La Feria golf coach David Briones said the wind played a factor, especially during Tuesday’s round, and led to some higher scores.
“This is Andy’s last year (of high school golf), and he was more determined than ever this season to get to state,” Briones said. “It’s his second time to go.”
The 4A state tournament is scheduled May 20-21 at Plum Creek Golf Course in Kyle, just outside of Austin.
Cortez said it wasn’t easy battling the wind Tuesday.
“It’s hard when the wind is blowing in your face and not knowing if your shot is going to go to the right or the left,” he said. “It’s tough to play through a (hard) wind like that.
“But I’m happy about going to state and seeing our (regional qualifying girls Briana Garcia and Bianca Bruno) do better in the second round than they did on Monday,” Cortez added. “Now I want to get ready for state.”
Garcia and Bruno played in the Region IV-4A Tournament for girls Monday and Tuesday at Oso Golf course in Corpus Christi. Neither finished among the leaders.
Finishing as the top three boys teams at the Region IV-4A event that qualified for state at Lozano Golf Course were Fredericksburg (628), Liberty Hill (639) and Salado (669).