King's Biuso hits stride as season heats up

The junior shoots 2-under 34 for the top score in a rain-shortened matchup vs. Brandon and Bloomingdale.

By BRYAN BURNS
Published September 20, 2006

VALRICO - King golfer Chris Biuso says he has found his rhythm on the golf course in the past couple of months. That could spell trouble for area golfers as the district and region tournaments approach.

Biuso is two strokes better this season than his 37.4 stroke average in 2005, according to King coach Barrett Zebos, and he recently shot a two-round 1-under 143 to finish seventh out of 55 on the Florida Junior Tour's most recent stop at the Venetian Golf Course in North Venice.

"He just grinds out par after par," Zebos said. "The difference this year is he's throwing in a couple birdies every now and then."

In a three-team meet between King, Bloomingdale and Brandon at Bloomingdale Golfers Club on Tuesday, Biuso shot a 2-under 34 through nine holes - though only the first six counted due to a line of thunderstorms canceling play - to finish with the best score among players who finished their round.

Bloomingdale, despite resting top players Robby Carl, Brad Schneider, and Kyle Turko, took top honors in the match, finishing with 108 strokes, five better than King's 113. Brandon finished third at 138.

Biuso, who has finished under par in six of nine rounds this season, birdied two of the last three holes, though they didn't count toward his official score, after parring the first six.

"I just started playing well in the past three months," Biuso said of his recent success. "Before, I would go on bogey runs where I'd get two or three in a row. And I was three-putting a lot. Everything just came around through practicing. I started playing well early in the summer and my game really came around throughout the summer. I don't make any stupid mistakes anymore. I'm striking the ball a lot more solidly."

Zebos says the junior's improved mental approach to the game is a big reason for his recent play. "His course management has been exceptional," he said. "He knows when to go for the pin and when to aim for the green. He understands when to be aggressive.

"He's playing a little smarter."

Biuso took over as King's No.1 midway through his freshman year and has remained there since. He has never missed a match, Zebos said, and, with his recent success, has a good chance of qualifying for state.

"In my six years at King, he's the best golfer I've coached," Zebos said.

[Last modified September 20, 2006, 02:04:05]