IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers STARE IT DOWN—Russell Boring, an Agoura Hills grad, watches his shot during Sunday's final round of the Simi Valley City Amateur Golf Championships. Simi Hills Golf Course received a lot of praise from players regarding its condition and layout when the course hosted the Simi Valley City Amateur Golf Championships last weekend.

In fact, Russell Boring and Kevin Coghlan were so impressed with the links they decided to play a couple extra holes.

Boring, a graduate of Agoura High in 2007, liked the course a little more, however, as the 19year-old birdied the fourth hole of sudden death playoff to earn firstplace honors in the 27th annual tournament.

Boring defeated Coghlan, a Carlsbad resident who graduated from Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks in 1998 and the University of Connecticut in 2002.

"It definitely was a sigh of relief when I birdied the fourth hole of sudden death," Boring said. "I haven't won a tournament for a while, so it feels nice to be back in the winner's circle."

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP—Russell Boring, left, thanks his opponent, Kevin Coghlan, a Carlsbad resident, following a four-hole sudden-death playoff at Simi Hills Golf Course on Sunday. Boring, who attends Ventura College, said although the course was well-kept, it hadn't changed much since he played it numerous times during his high school career.

"The big factor for me was experience," Boring said. "Today I was just able to put the ball in better places than I was able to in high school, and I putted the ball a little better. The course was in excellent condition, but I didn't see much change in it from a few years back."

Coghlan, who along with Boring shot a 135 at the end of the 36-hole regulation, enjoyed the tough competition.

"He beat me fair and square," Coghlan said.

"What it came down to basically was he birdied that last hole and I didn't. Simi Hills has a nice layout, though, and it was still a fun two days of golf."

Ramie Sprinkling, last year's champion and a former Rio Mesa High standout, finished tied for third place with Paul Misko, a graduate of Royal High in 2007. Misko made a late run at the lead on the last six holes Sunday, but it wasn't enough.

"On 13 I chipped in a shot from the bunker and I seemed to have a real high confidence after that," Misko said. "I almost got an eagle on 16 as well."

Mark Modglin, a Simi Valley High graduate, finished in eighth place with a one-under-par 141. Tyler Ostrovsky, a Royal High graduate who attends Ventura College, finished tied for ninth place with an even-par 142.

One hundred and sixty five players competed in the two-day event, including 65 players in the championship flight. Jackie Cochran, tournament director, said the turnout increased from last year due to the condition of the course.

"The course is in the best shape it's ever been in," Cochran said. "The tournament features mostly locals, but there's also players from as far away as Carlsbad and Bakersfield that have heard about the condition of the course and want to play. This tournament is a great way to showcase Simi Valley."

Brian Reed, the course's general manager, said a big reason for the course's condition was the work of the Rancho Simi Park and Recreation District.

"Last May, the Rancho Simi Park and Recreation District took over and ever since they've steadily improved the property," Reed said.

"A lot of hard work goes into making this event happen, including many hours from the maintenance crew, and it makes it all worth it when I hear the positive comments from the players."

Gene Hostetler, a director on the Rancho Simi Park and Recreation District, was also happy to hear the positive feedback.

"We've been constantly working on this course, and the people that work here are absolutely the best," Hostetler said. "The Park District is very proud of the way things have turned out. I haven't heard one negative comment all weekend."

In the 'A' net flight competition, Chris Barnitz of Simi Valley finished with a score of 131, good enough to win by six strokes over Simon Kiddle, also of Simi Valley.

In the 'B' net flight, the winning score of 134 was posted by Chris Ferguson from Simi Valley. Ferguson's total was one stroke better than Reno Gregory's 135. Gregory is a 13-year-old from Simi Valley.

Brian Huh from Pasadena shot a 135 to win the 'C' flight by one stroke over Dave Studley of Simi Valley.