Glendale resident Keith Kinsel wound up with a 308 to finish in a two-way tie for 35th with Sal Gaytan of Tustin Ranch.
“It’s a pretty tough course, and if you don’t have your ‘A’ game, it’s the kind of course that can eat you alive,” said Kanda, who was tabbed the 2005 All-Area Boys’ Golfer of the Year. “It’s a difficult championship, but it’s always fun to play and it’s a blast because it’s run so well.”
Kanda, a Flintridge Prep graduate and a two-time Prep League champion, finished the three-day tournament with an even-par 72 after carding a 74 during Saturday’s second round.
He completed the tournament with 12 birdies, 39 pars and 21 bogeys on the 6,589-yard course in Ventura County.
“I didn’t think I did too bad,” said Kanda, who claimed the championship at Victoria Country Club in Riverside last year. “I felt close to shooting good numbers.
“The greens were so tough because they have so much slope to them. You have to be able to keep the ball below the hole. I think I’ve improved since [the State Amateur Championship in June]. My putting kept me in this tournament.”
Kinsel, a Crescenta Valley High graduate and an eight-time club champion at Oakmont Country Club, notched an 80 Sunday after recording a 75 on Saturday.
He collected 11 pars, but had six bogeys and one double-bogey in the final round.
The 39-year-old Kinsel finished the championship with four birdies, 46 pars, 20 bogeys and a pair of double-bogeys.
“I just putted poorly,” Kinsel said. “It was a real test on a tough course.
“I struggled during the last round. I need to work on my game, especially my short game.”
Kevin Marsh won the tournament with a 285. Marsh shot a 75 on Sunday.
CHARLES RICH covers sports. He can be reached at (818) 637-3228 or charles.rich@latimes.com.
