Newport Harbor Golf with Coach Scott Tarnow and golf host Brad Herold (2025)

Coach Tarnow on Team-Building, Competition, and Life Lessons Through Golf

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For Newport Harbor High School golf coach Tarnow, the sport is about much more than just swinging a club. With a growing program, top-level competition, and a strong focus on personal development, Coach Tarnow is shaping his players into not just better golfers, but well-rounded individuals. In this episode, we take an inside look at the team’s transition to a more competitive league, standout players to watch, and the life lessons being taught along the way.

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Building a Team Mentality in an Individual Sport (6:45)

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This year’s Newport Harbor golf team features a mix of returning standouts and promising newcomers. A key focus early in the season is shifting players’ mindsets from individual play to a team-oriented approach, a crucial adjustment in high school competition.

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Standout Players to Watch (8:10)

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Tyler Richardson – Senior standout and last year’s team MVP, with multiple rounds under par and CIF experience. Likely heading to Orange Coast College.

Bill Handcock – Had a breakthrough late last season with an impressive under-par round at Los Serranos.

James Nye & Kyle Johnson – Emerging impact players, with Kyle showing major improvement this season.

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Program Growth and Sunset League Competition (12:30)

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The Newport Harbor golf program has seen tremendous growth, expanding from 22 players to over 40 golfers this season. Coach Tarnow advocated for this expansion to provide more students the opportunity to develop their skills, learn course etiquette, and enjoy the game of golf.

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Competing in One of California’s Toughest Leagues (14:20)

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The Sunset League remains one of the most competitive in the state. Newport Harbor, after winning back-to-back Wave Division titles, now competes in a unified seven-team league following the departure of Laguna Hills. Key Challenge (15:30): With no more divisions, every match is a battle. Home-course advantage will be critical at Costa Mesa Country Club, where Newport Harbor has honed its game.

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Tournaments and Upcoming Schedule (17:15)

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The team recently competed in the 2025 Los Serranos Invitational and is now preparing for:

Glendora Invitational at Glendora CC (18:05)

Estancia Invitational at Costa Mesa CC (19:20)

Each tournament presents a unique challenge depending on the host school’s course setup and scoring format (20:00).

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More Than Just Golf: Character & Life Lessons (22:30)

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For Coach Tarnow, golf is just part of the bigger picture. He instills values that extend beyond the course, teaching players essential life skills:

Responsibility & Respect (23:10): How players carry themselves matters, both in golf and in life.

Financial Literacy (24:30): Teaching concepts like compound interest, Roth IRAs, and money management.

Personal Etiquette (26:00): Preparing students for business meetings, social events, and relationships.

His ultimate goal? Develop well-rounded young men who can apply these skills in life, college, and their careers (27:15).

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Final Thoughts (29:00)

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With a deep roster, strong leadership, and a commitment to personal growth, Newport Harbor Golf is set for an exciting 2025 season. Coach Tarnow’s focus on development—both on and off the course—ensures his players leave the program with more than just a strong golf game.

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Thank you, Coach Tarnow, for joining the Sunset Rewind podcast and good luck this season! Go Sailors!