By FREDDY GONZALEZ
Staff Writer
LYFORD — As far back as Jacob Serna can remember there has not been a time when golf wasn’t on his plate. His grandfather had passed it on to his father, who in return passed the skill on to him. He was born into a family of athletes and Serna was destined to do the same.
At the young age of four the Lyford sophomore picked up a set of his own (clubs) and began to play. By the time he turned six Serna was already competing in tournaments across the Rio Grande Valley. By the time middle school rolled around Serna realized he needed to take the game serious in order to compete at a higher level.
And that’s exactly what he did. Serna worked harder on his game and as a freshman in high school he competed at the Woodlands state tournament for ages 13-15. Where Serna said, “It was a little nerve racking the first day”, however the experience he gained was invaluable.
“He basically grew up on the golf course,” said head coach Mark Garza. “His work ethic is great. He balances baseball, basketball, training and his academics, so his work ethic is great.
“What he’s done this past year, coming in as a freshman and competing well in the 5A tournaments, his maturity level and confidence has really helped him.”
This year, Serna (who also plays basketball, baseball, and is also an athletic trainer) has been at the top of his game. Placing first overall in the district tournament with a score of 80. At regional’s Serna shot a par of 72 which put him in the lead after the first day. However on the second day he shot an 82 putting him at a total of 154, dropping him from first as a competitor from San Antonio took first place with a total of 152. Just 2 shots ahead of him. He was disappointed for dropping to second, but happy he had qualified for the state tournament.
“It’s a good feeling (qualifying for state),” said Serna. “I worked hard and improved my game from last year. As a freshman I never would have thought I’d be going to state (tournament). I thought going to regionals was the best thing, but coming in second at regionals is almost a dream come true.”
“(At state) everybody is there for a reason,” said Serna. “This year I have a goal of placing in the top 10 and then just continue to build from it, but my main goal is to win.”
This year’s 3A state tournament will be held at the Grey Rock golf course in Austin, Texas on April 27-28.