Huskies Dodge Some Rams

On an absolutely perfect weather day for golf, the Husky Varsity Golf team tee’d it up against the Tilton Rams at Lochmere CC. After weeks of cold and windy rounds on the course, the golf Gods finally got in touch with Mother Nature and set up a picturesque day.

It may have been ideal conditions for us to play golf, but that also means that it was ideal conditions for the Rams to play golf. And did they ever show up to play golf. A 5-4 score means that it was a close match, and this time it came down to the final match between the number six starters. Grady Moore making his second consecutive start in the six slot, after earning the spot by squeaking out a simulator match against teammate Johnny Neimela, fired off a personal best round, an 8 over par 43. Grady’s game has been steadily improving with every round he plays, and today was no exception. Grady had his match one up on his opponent, standing over a 15 foot par putt to win the 9th hole and the match. His opponent was in the hole with a bogey 5. Since Grady was up by one, a tie on the hole would still earn him the win and one point. So a two putt bogey would take care of everything. Grady decided to roll that par putt center cup with the right amount of pace , with both teams standing around the green watching, to win the hole and match in style.

All of this would not make much of a difference had it not been for the groups playing ahead of the final pairing.  Co captains Will and Mark, both playing Lochmere for the first time, earned 2.5 points with a tied match by Will and a win from Mark, along with securing the best ball point. This is exactly the type of outcome that a coach could hope for from the number one and two starters. Both players play at such a high level that they are both considered to be number one starters. The great thing about Will and Mark is that they don’t let a number attached to their name, stand in the way of what they do as twosome. They push each other to do better. Not in competition for the spot as number one in the rotation, but rather in competition to excel in their game. They read putts for one another. They talk through shots, they keep each other in check. They play as a partnership and exemplify what it means to share the role as captains for the team. They go out there and they set the tone in matches with hopes that their teammates are following right behind them.

This evening, their teammates showed them that they got the memo. 

Nate fired off an impressive 6 over par 41, including another birdie for Nate this season on the final hole of the match, but was still handed a loss by his opponent shooting a 3 over par 38. Sometimes you run into a buzzsaw, and there’s nothing you can do about it. But Nate still had the presence of mind to stay focused on the best ball point. With his match was closed out after the eighth hole, and the best ball point still at stake, Nate took to the ninth tee and striped one down the middle. His approach shot left him a with a 15-20 footer for birdie. Nate and Jack were down one on the best ball point. A birdie would win the hole for that point and pivot the Huskies closer to a win. So what did Nate do. He did what he’s been doing all season, he drained it. Squaring up the best ball point for the match and helping to secure a half point for the team.

Nates playing partner Jack, did a little swag surfing of his own today. Jack has been looking for a few missing parts in his game this season, and tonight he must of had a gps in his range finder, because he located a a good amount of those missing parts. Jack carded a round that he knows he is capable of. A 4 over 39 made a statement to his teammates that he is getting himself dialed in. Jack closed out his match early earning a full point for the team, and coasted in to the final green with a little bit of swagger in his step. I feel bad for Jacks opponents going forward, because once he heats up, he stays hot! 

Eli found out this evening that number five starters can have a wide array of shots and capabilities. Shooting close to a bogey round of golf is exactly what you would hope for from your number five and that’s what Eli did. Unfortunately his opponent decided it was his day to have himself “a day”. Eli’s opponent fired off a 5 over par 40. When that happens, all you can do is tip your cap to well played match. All of Eli’s rounds show that he is due for a breakout round, and we can’t wait to see it. When that happens, watch out, because hes going to be a force to be reckoned with.