RAYMONDVILLE — Raymondville’s James Alfaro may be heading back to the UIL Class 4A state golf tournament for the second consecutive season, but this time the confident senior is ready for the challenge.
Last season, as a junior, a nervous Alfaro shot a 161, which included an opening-round score of 80 and a second-day score of 81. His score was enough to place him 37th out of 72 competitors.
However, this time around he isn’t intimidated by what the state’s premier tournament brings.
“I feel pretty good about going back,” said Alfaro. “This time I know what I’ve got to do and I’m not that nervous. What I learned (from last year’s state tournament) was to not give up so fast.”
At last year’s tournament, Alfaro was having a good first day but with three holes remaining he hit a ball out of bounds causing him to lose his rhythm.
“I just have to forget about it (my mistakes) during the game and just keep playing,” he said.
This might be Alfaro’s second state appearance, but the senior could have easily made it to state four times. As Alfaro explained, weather played a big part at his first two regional tournaments.
“As a freshman at regionals, there were big storms with thunder and the wind was crazy, and it definitely wasn’t in our favor,” he said. “During my sophomore year I was tied for fourth, but the tournament got canceled the second day due to weather again.
“In a strange way, I’m not that excited because I know I’m supposed to be there. I always expect myself to be there.”
Alfaro’s coach speaks very highly of him.
“What has impressed me the most about James is how he has handled his success,” said head golf coach Steve Cantu. “Not once have I seen him fist pump or show any emotion you would expect after hitting a booming drive, a long put, a chip off the green or even after accepting any of his numerous accolades.
“For a young man nowadays to be so cool, calm and collected I think speaks volumes about James’ character.
“You can go to the state tournament and just be happy to be there or you can be paired with the best golfer in the state. My money is on James picking the latter,” added Cantu.
The Class 4A golf tournament will be held at Apple Rock Golf Course at Horseshoe Bay in MarbleFalls. Alfaro is set to tee off at 8:50 a.m. Monday.
