Westlake Hires New Coach for Its Elite Golf Program : High schools: Businessman Gordon Crook succeeds Lorin Maygren, who led boys’ team to Southern Section titles in 1986 and ’87.

Gordon Crook has been selected the golf coach at Westlake High, assuming control of one of the region’s most consistently successful programs at the high school level.

Crook, a Westlake Village businessman and a walk-on, replaces Lorin Maygren, who is taking a one-year leave of absence.

Over the past six seasons, Maygren guided the boys’ team to five top-five finishes in Southern Section play. Westlake won Southern Section titles in 1986 and 1987 and has established itself as one of the top teams in Southern California.

In Maygren’s 12 seasons as coach, nine boys and three girls earned Division I scholarships.

Maygren, a physical education teacher, took a leave of absence from teaching over the summer and might return next season. He is currently employed in the private sector.

“That’s still up in the air,” Westlake Athletic Director Jack Loritz said of Maygren’s plans. “This is a season-by-season thing.”

Westlake again will be considered among the favorites to win a sectional title in the spring.

Five of Westlake’s top six players return from last season, including Jerry Chang, who will be in his fourth year on the varsity.

Loritz said that Crook, a part-time golf instructor, is a member of North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, the school’s home course. Westlake’s first match is Feb. 25.

Maygren is expected to make a final decision regarding his return next summer. Until then, the school is holding open his teaching position.