Chuck Kirman / Star staff By adding an effective short game to go along with his powerful driver, Westlake's Brandon Hagy showed he has the all-around skills to dominate any tournament he enters.

Heading into the 2008 golf season, Westlake High junior Brandon Hagy set a few goals for himself and his team.

After the final shot was hit, Hagy was able to look back and realize he had accomplished every goal on his list.

With Hagy and fellow junior Marshall Colby leading the way, Westlake captured the Marmonte League title for the first time in several seasons. The Warriors went on to win the CIF-Southern Section Northern Divisional title, shooting 3-over par as a team to win going away.

Hagy also accomplished the rare double of being on the league champion team and winning the Marmonte League individual title.

He posted a four-round total of 9 under, winning the tournament by a record six strokes over Colby. He went on to become the first Westlake golfer to qualify for the CIF-SS Individual finals since 2005.

In addition to helping put Westlake's golf team back on top, Hagy showed the kind of improvement Division I college recruiters covet.

"A big goal for this year was to be more consistent and I feel like I did that," Hagy said. "My good rounds were better and my bad rounds were not as bad. That was the difference this season.

"I was able to keep it together on the days when I was not feeling it. On the days I was really playing well, I was able to stay mentally sharp and pull in good rounds."

For his strong play this season, Hagy has been named The Star's Boys' Golfer of the Year.

Hagy said winning the Marmonte League tournament was a big moment.

"I played really well and it was really fun getting to play against Marshall," Hagy said. "It was great because we were both playing well and we were both helping our team win the league title.

"What I was most proud of, was going into the last day he was down by three shots and I was able to close him out. I played really well when it counted. I was really proud of that."

Hagy and Colby took turns at being the Warriors' top player this season.

"If you have another teammate or two who are really good and they are pushing you, it's really going to help your game," Hagy said. "It makes you want to play better because you want to have bragging rights for the next match.

"Our whole team pushed each other. When some of us were not playing well, it seemed like a few other guys stepped up. We had great team chemistry this season. Winning the Marmonte League title and going to the CIF finals was great, but next year I feel we will have a team that can win the state title. That will be the goal."

Since he took his first swings eight years ago, Hagy has displayed plenty of natural talent, especially when it comes to hitting it long. He's consistently close to 300 yards off the tee, a trait that has many college coaches drooling in anticipation of what he might do at the next level.

In an effort to have the rest of his game match his length, Hagy spends a lot of time working on his short game, especially shots from 100 yards and in.

With the help of teaching professional Brady Riggs at Woodley Lakes Golf Course in the San Fernando Valley, Hagy's game has continued to mature.

Riggs has taught Hagy how to practice with a purpose, so he's prepared to hit any shot needed during a round.

Over the last year, the two have worked hard on strengthening Hagy's short-game techniques — putting and wedges.

Their hard work paid big dividends during the last few months. First there was Hagy's victory at the Future Collegians World Tour's Hunter Ranch Invitational, where he finished at 6-under 138. During the two rounds, Hagy had 14 birdies, thanks in large part to his improved short game.

Then came the Marmonte League tournament, where Hagy put together four remarkable rounds.

"The last few months were huge because they showed me all the hard work is paying off," Hagy said. "All the things that Brady and I have worked on, from shaping shots to managing my game."

Riggs said he's pleased with Hagy's progress. He said he's matured from a good athlete playing the game to a player who understands what he's trying to get done on every shot.

"The win is evidence that he has a lot of shots in his bag," Riggs said of the Marmonte title. "He's always been a competitor, but he's more confident with his game. He's gradually learning how to score better.

"Where he used to have one or two bad holes cost him a good round, he's able to not have that happen now. He has all the ingredients to play at the next level."