HART CRUISES TO TITLE.

Byline: Dave Shelburne Daily News Staff Writer

Golf and life are getting easier for Hart High senior Mark Lauver.

Two weeks ago, the first-year varsity regular shot a then-career-best 3 over par in a Foothill League opener, and his team didn't even need it as five other Hart golfers shot lower.

``I was distraught,'' he said.

On Thursday, no one shot lower than Lauver, who had a 1-over-par 72 to take medalist honors while leading Hart to the team title in the 37th High School Invitational at Burbank's De Bell Golf Course.

It was another career-best for the hard-luck redhead, who took up golf less than two years ago after injuring his knee playing football and then breaking his wrist snowboarding.

His win at De Bell wasn't textbook - Lauver hit just nine greens in regulation while leading Hart to its fifth team title in eight years.

But Lauver's play looked sweet enough to Hart coach Dennis Ford, whose Indians' 9-over-par 293 total was 19 strokes better than runner-up Nordhoff (312) and within two strokes of Hueneme's 1986 tournament record of 291.

Looking at it another way, Lauver's scrambling success probably epitomized golf at Hart, where Ford's emphasis on the short game has led to a decade-long tenure as Foothill champion.

At least once a week, each Hart player must negotiate 14 consecutive practice-green holes in two strokes or less from off the putting surface. They miss, they start again.

``It helps your confidence a lot,'' said Lauver, who once spent four hours attempting the drill before Ford took pity on him.

``So what if I miss a green?'' Lauver said. ``I know I'm going to get up and down.''

On Thursday, one of his up-and-down scores produced a birdie - one of four for Lauver and 11 by the Hart team of Ryan Wyman (three birdies in a round of 73), Jeff Siembieda and freshman Brian Edick (two each in rounds of 74).

``I think this team is awesome,'' Lauver said of Hart (20-1-1), whose only loss was by nine strokes to Southern Section power San Marcos. ``I think we have a good chance to go all the way this season.''

Ford, who has never had a section team titlist, didn't exactly wince at Lauver's optimism but pointed out that ``Monday will be another progress report.''

That's when the Indians have their annual showdown with Marmonte League power Westlake, another decade-long champion.

They'll square off at North Ranch Country Club in a 1 p.m. match that also includes undefeated Simi Valley.

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Photo

Photo: Flintridge Prep's Ryan Wyman keeps on eye on his tee shot during the 37th High School Invitational.

John McCoy/Daily News