American Heritage’s Clanton seeking to tie state golf record
American Heritage senior Luke Clanton is favored to become just the second golfer in Florida history to win three individual state titles.
Clanton, a 6-1, 170pounder who has committed to play college golf for Florida State, is one of eight boys to win two individual titles in this state. The record is three, held by Miami Columbus’ James Vargas (1998, 1999, 2001).
In addition to the two state titles, Clanton, 17, was also the runner-up in 2019.
“Luke’s work ethic is better than any kid I’ve ever seen,” said Brandt Moser, Heritage’s longtime director of golf operations. “He can hit the ball a mile, but it’s his golf IQ that really stands out. He doesn’t put himself in negative situations. His maturity on a golf course is like that of a 30-yearold.”
In terms of the team competition, American Heritage — which finished second at state last year — should now be the favorite. That’s because Ponte Vedra, which won four consecutive state titles in 2A, has moved up to 3A.
Besides Clanton, Heritage also has fellow seniors Gabe Hegerstrom (firstteam All-Broward last year) and Sebastian Sacristan (second-team All-Broward). Sophomore Aiden Arce and juniors Tyler Lindh and John Pineiro add depth.
If Heritage gets the job done, it would be the program’s fourth state title, adding to its championships in 2012, 2014 and 2016.
Heritage’s girls’ program has been even better, winning a Florida-record nine state titles since 2005, including the 2020 crown.
The Heritage girls return the state’s individual champion, senior Kelly Shanahan. Heritage will also rely on sophomores Katherine Schaefer and Alessandra Taboral, who were both quality starters last year.
THIS AND THAT
A Two extremely young golfers to watch are Carrollton sixth-grader Fernanda Carrion and Heritage seventh-grader Sohan Patel.
A Columbus returns its top five starters from the team that finished eighth at state last year. The Explorers also bring in a talented freshman class led by Victor Herrera.
Seeking its first state title since 2002, the Explorers have no seniors on this squad. They are led by a pair of juniors who made first-team All-Dade last year: Hans Risvaer and Andres Atrio. Juniors Sebastian Kawas, Max Fonseca and Christian Figueredo can all shoot in the 70s on any given day, according to Columbus coach Mike Marinelli.
However, Class 3A is stacked. In addition to Ponte Vedra joining the class, two-time reigning state champ Tallahassee Chiles returns all its golfers from last year.
A North Broward Prep advanced out of regionals last year for the first time in more than a decade, finishing seventh at state in Class 2A. This year, the Eagles moved down to 1A, which is even tougher, according to coach Mike Richards.
His top golfer is his son, Sean Richards, who has tied the school record for nine holes with a threeunder-par 33. Richards also made a 181-yard hole-inone last year against St. Andrews and averaged 37.95 for the year. Senior Jacob Paul, who averaged 39.25, is the Eagles’ second-best golfer entering the year.
A Florida Christian junior Nicholas Prieto, a former middle infielder in baseball at 5-6 and 158 pounds, has been golfing since age 5 and is getting recruiting interest from Notre Dame, Florida, Rice, UCF, Vanderbilt and Florida State.
Patriots coach Eric Estape said Prieto is “hands down” the best golfer in program history. Prieto, who has been on the varsity since the seventh grade, has a 3.8 grade-point average and is interested in studying finance, engineering or math.
A Miami Country Day’s boys’ team is led by senior Matthew Yamin, a firstteam All-Dade golfer who won a district title and qualified for state. The girls are led by sophomore Alex Pool, a district champ, who finished 16th at state.
A Riviera Prep is led by junior Alexandra Ragan, a 5-10 two-sport standout who also competes in volleyball.
A Divine Savior is led by sophomore Santiago Espinosa, and Gulliver is led by senior Tori Hagenlocker.
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