Golfer of the Year: Serra Padre enjoys a breakout season

In a lot of ways, that type of player is much more intimidating.

And so when the time came to choose the Daily Journal’s Golfer of the Year, it should come as no surprise that Salinda caught even the sports desk off guard a bit. But a closer view at his accomplishments made the choice a rather easy one.

All-West Catholic Athletic League First Teamer.

WCAL Player of the Year.

Central Coast Section champion with a 3-under 68 in the championship’s final day.

“He kind of really outdid our expectations,” said Serra head coach Joe Hession. “We knew going into the season he’d be one of the top three or four golfers in the league. By the end of the year, most of the other players and coaches knew he probably was the best player in the league.”

Yes, that’s about how it happened for everyone in San Mateo county actually. Given Salinda’s approach to golf, he isn’t the type to garner a lot of headlines. But that doesn’t mean the sophomore isn’t busy putting in major work. Hession said Salinda was the medalist in almost all of Serra’s competitions this year. And come a win early in the year over a then-undefeated St. Ignatius, Hession knew he had himself a player heading for a special kind of season.

“He’s been under the radar,” Hession said. “Even at Serra High School. A lot of guys have heard about him — they’ll hear his name in the announcements or see his name in the newspaper, but he’s so non-chalant, so humble and quiet people are unsure of who he is. And then you point him out and they go, ‘oh, that’s the great golfer?’ He’s pretty low key which is probably good for a golfer. Nothing really bothers him. He’s pretty quiet and humble.”

But Hession said one shouldn’t confuse Salinda’s humility for a lack of confidence. As a freshman, when told to try out for the junior varsity team, Salinda approached Hession to try out for the varsity.

“He had the confidence, even as a freshman, to say, ‘hey I can play with these varsity guys. Just give me a shot,’” Hession said. “So, he’s quiet but confident in his own little way. He just does it with his actions. As a coach, that’s what I love to see.”

Salinda’s confidence, coupled with his focus on the fundamentals in practice, was the perfect recipe for a breakout season — one that saw his become the second CCS medalist in Serra history and the first since 1978.

“He’s just consistent,” Hession said. “He’s not going to take your breath away with the drive, but he’s right down the middle. He’s a great iron player. He’s on the green. And when he’s putting, he’s generally a good putter. And if he’s making his putts, he’s going to shoot under par. But, mostly, the thing about him he’s just a real steady player. He’s a real smart player. He’s not going to take any unnecessary chances. He’s going to keep the ball in the fairway and put the ball in the hole.”