SOAP LAKE — Local knowledge on any golf course is like money in the bank. But like any investment, it only pays off if you execute.

The 6,340, par-71, Lakeview Golf & Country Club is the setting for the 2A District 5/6 boys golf championships on Monday. Despite inclement weather and driving rain, the locals were out to re-examine and double check their yardage books on Thursday.

Othello, led by defending 2A state medalist Patrick Azevedo, is undefeated in CWAC duals going in. For the Ephrata Tigers, led by sophomore Jayce Moore, Lakeview Golf & Country Club is the home course. Their only loss to date was to Othello.

The Quincy Jacks, whose home course is Quincy Colockum Ridge Golf Course, also got in a practice round in preparation for Monday’s tournament where the top 13 golfers, plus alternates, advance to the WIAA 2A Boys Golf Championships at Columbia Point Golf Course in Richland on May 22-23.

Azevedo came out of nowhere last year to win the 2A medalist as a freshman. The Othello sophomore won’t have that luxury anymore now that he’s on the radar. But he goes into the 2A District 5/6 Tournament as a contender to win. But it won’t be without challenge, Dylan Apodaca (Selah) was a top-15 finisher at the state tournament last year. Adam Raab and Ryker Torres (East Valley) also made the cut at the state level.

Jayce Moore of Ephrata didn’t qualify for state last season, but goes into Monday playing on the home course.

Azevedo made some swing changes with the help of the Jeff Bender Golf Academy in Kennewick, going to a draw as his natural shape. He's also changed his putting style.

“I worked a fade at state last year. But I’ve really put in the work to change it to a draw and I’m getting 20-30 yards in extra length,” said Azevedo, who averages 260-270 off the tee. “It really helps off the tee, because it makes most of my approaches a wedge shot going in. I can still shape the ball, but the draw is the primary shot.”

Azevedo, who shot 73-76-149 to win the state championship by two strokes, also made some changes in his putting that he feels will increase his comfort zone moving forward.

“I used to be on my heels and when I was looking down the putter, I was looking halfway up the shaft. Now I’m on my toes and I can actually see where I’m putting too,” he said.

“I made that change because I noticed I was always missing my putts above the hole and my aim was off. My swing coach Jeff Bender really helped me with that.”

Moore has made the significant drop in scoring average to 81 this season. The Tiger sophomore is confident his course knowledge will help him to the next level and his first 2A state tournament berth.

“My goal is top five. I think I’m just going to focus on hitting solid shots and let the first nine dictate how much I need to gamble or not on the second nine,” he said. “There’s multiple benefits to knowing the course, the breaks in the greens. It’s far better than just showing up and trying to figure it out as you go.

“The key, I believe, will be greens in regulation. I’m a pretty decent putter, so if I give myself a chance, I can score low.”

This is the last time around for Jacks senior Trajan Trevino. He had a rough start with a ball out-of-bounds on the second hole two years ago at the district tournament. He’s playing with confidence and looking to earn a Top 13 ticket to the next level.

“For me, it’s about fairways and greens,” said Trevino, who shot 72 in the final tournament of the regular season. “The short game is so critical here. Everybody can hit the ball, but it’s picking it up around the greens that makes the difference. Making that 8-footer is the same as a 285-yard drive, so that’s where I want to make the difference, on the putting surface.”

It all starts at 10 a.m. on Monday.