Tough Day for Golf

On a tough day for golf, the Martlets fell to the Pelicans at Hop Meadow CC, 216 to 206. With intermittent rain, temperatures in the low 50s, and winds gusting to 20 mph on the team’s portable wind gauge, the Black and Gold golfers struggled to control their golf balls and master the conditions. Frankly, the elements were reminiscent of a round this old coach played many years ago within sight of the Firth of Tay, but perhaps hickory shafts and gutta-percha balls were easier to keep shots under the wind in those days. Missing fairways and greens in the wet and cold can put a lot of pressure on the short game, and in early season New England that can lead to some tough numbers. Nevertheless, the team played with their customary grit and camaraderie, and certainly, they carried the loss with heavy hearts back to our trusty van. Not much talk on the return trip, and they even refused the offer to make a stop for some much-needed sustenance – a sure sign this defeat stung. Santino Defazio ‘24 led the way for the Martlets with a 41, followed by Matteo De Luca ‘24 with a 42. Jack Fichthorn ‘26 and Nick Dowling ‘24 contributed 44s, and Grant Owen rounded out the scoring for Westminster with a 45. Connor Murphy had a 50. Congratulations to Pelicans Tyler Zebedee and Eli Krasoff, who were co-medalists for the match with 40s. The Martlets will tend to their wounds, clean the dirt out of their grooves, watch a little of the Masters for inspiration, and prepare for our next match: on the road against Salisbury and Wilbraham and Monson. Location to be determined, but rest assured the JV golfers will be ready.