Local meets challenge

Newport Beach resident Don DuBois ties for second at Tournament of Club Champions.Don DuBois knows a thing or two about challenging golf courses.

And in his eyes, Mission Viejo Country Club ranks pretty high on the list, as far as Orange County links go.

But on Monday, the Newport Beach resident all but conquered the course, shooting a 2-over-par 74 to tie for second in the Southern California Golf Assn. Tournament of Club Champions.

To prepare for tough courses like “Mission Impossible,” as the south county course has been dubbed by some, DuBois regularly practices at a Newport-Mesa course, also dubbed one of the toughest in the county.

“Big Canyon is very demanding,” said DuBois, who has been a member at the Newport Beach course for about two years. “It’s a tremendous challenge to play from the back tees. I’ve raised my game there and I think a lot of good players at Big Canyon do.”

DuBois, the California Amateur champion who was also recently named the SCGA Player of the Year, finished second on Monday to Santa Barbara resident John Pate, who shot even par.

DuBois tied with Laguna Niguel resident Andrew Nelsen at 2-over.

“I was pleased, considering my game has been a little rusty,” DuBois said. “The course played tough. It was hard to make birdies.”

The Big Canyon member was the top finisher out of all Newport-Mesa area competitors.

“Anytime a player at any club can do something like that, it’s good for our community and our club,” Big Canyon head professional Bob Lovejoy said. “We’re all proud of what he’s accomplished.”

DuBois’ finish on Monday added to his success this year. He beat Joseph Bramlett of Saratoga, 2 and 1, in 35 holes of match play to win the 94th California amateur championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links in June, and he edged SCGA Amateur champion Scott McGihon of Bermuda Dunes to capture the inaugural SCGA Player of the Year competition in September.