When Rancho Buena Vista High golfer Marco Gomez hoisted the CIF San Diego Section individual championship trophy last year, he added his name to quite a list.

The Longhorns' senior joined Phil Mickelson, Craig Stadler and Charley Hoffman, all household names when it comes to professional golf, and a group Gomez hopes to join one day on the PGA Tour. But first up is his senior year, where he is trying to become the first back-to-back champion since Christian's Joel Almquist in 1997-98.

Q: What was it like to win the CIF San Diego Section individual title last year?

A: It was awesome. It definitely was one of my biggest goals that I set for myself, so to accomplish a goal like that felt good. It did a lot for me as far as getting noticed as well. Plus, winning a tournament with such great players was helpful. I had confidence going in and it helped me stay strong and play my own game.

Q: You worked at the U.S. Open last year, what was that like?

A: I was a runner for the Associated Press camera operators. Once they were done with the film, I had to run it back to the press area so they could get it online. It was a lot of work but I also got to watch a lot of golf. It was amazing to see all the people there, and to watch it. And the fact that the tournament was here in San Diego was cool.

Q: What was your favorite moment of the tournament?

A: I got to watch Tiger Woods make the putt to tie Rocco Mediate.

Q: What was the best shot you've ever hit?

A: It was last year during the section finals. It was the final hole, and it was my second shot on the short par-5. I hit a 5-iron onto the green and I hit it within 10 feet of the pin. It gave me a good feeling to know I could two-putt to win, but I knew I had to birdie it to win. I ended up eagling it and won by two strokes.

Q: What is the most important thing you'd like to share with younger golfers?

A: I would tell them to never give up and have a good attitude, even on the bad days. When I first started I struggled but it is the drive that kept me going, and I turned out to be a pretty good golfer. It just helps to be patient on the golf course in general.

Q: Talk about the recruiting process you went through after you won the section title?

A: I've had a lot of help with the process. After I won I decided on my top five and I e-mailed all the coaches with my resume. I knew I wanted to stay close and Cal State San Marcos was a good fit and I really get along with the coach so it was a great fit.

Q: You didn't play in a lot of national junior tournaments, instead sticking to the local ones, why?

A: I just focused on competing here in San Diego. In my opinion, the competition I face here is just as strong as anywhere else and in the end everything worked out for me.

Q: What is the difference between high school golf and junior tournaments?

A: I'm used to playing on my own, so when high school golf comes around, I have to remember that every stroke counts and one miss could be the difference between a win and a loss.

Q: Who is the most underrated player on your team and why?

A: I'd have to say Won Mun. I've known him since middle school and we've played many rounds together and he is capable of shooting a low score whenever he wants. And he is going to Cal State San Marcos next year as well, so I am looking forward to that.

Q: What is the one thing you love about your game?

A: That's easy, my putting. Its been consistently good for as long as I could remember and it keeps me in a lot of tournaments. Also my course management is pretty good. But if I had to pick one, I would say my putting.

Q: And hate?

A: My driving. I can get a little wayward with it and I've been working hard to hit it straighter.

Marco Gomez

School: Rancho Buena Vista

Grade: Senior

Sport: Boys golf

Accomplishments: 2008 CIF San Diego Section individual champion; 2008 first-team all-CIF, 2008 first-team all-North County.

Quick hits

Favorite TV show: "The Dave Chappelle Show"

Favorite all-time movie: "The Italian Job"

What's one thing people don't know about you: I'm a car fanatic

If someone was playing you in a feature film, who would it be and why: James Dean. His movies characterize my personality pretty well.

Person I'd like to have dinner with: Tiger Woods

Nickname: Macro or G-Mez

Favorite ice cream: Rainbow sherbet

Most hated chore: Making my bed

One word that describes you: Quick

Favorite place in San Diego: Coronado

Best golf course you've ever played: Hoakalei Country Club in Hawaii

One course you've never played, but have always wanted to: Augusta

Favorite club in the bag: Sand wedge