The Middlesex High School golf team opened its season on August 5 with a scrimmage match against Rappahannock; and was waved off the Piankatank River Golf Club (PRGC) course due to lightning in a tri-match on August 15 with Mathews and Northumberland.
With only three days of practice under their belts for the August 5 match, the Raiders outperformed the Chargers, who showed some strength in its youthful team.
During the tri-match that was called early due to weather, the Chargers had a 7 stroke lead in the 1 and 2 spots and were neck-and-neck in the 3 and 4 spots.
Returning for the Chargers are senior Joseph Sears, sophomore Thomas Wilson and sophomore Wesley Butler. Newcomers to the squad include freshman Peyton Lambert and Garrett Moncrief, sophomore Nicholas Daddario, and senior Cole Stamm.
“Peyton Lambert will most likely secure the one spot for us this season and Sears will hold down the two spot,” said MHS head coach Greg Harrow. “We will move the remaining players around through the next four spots throughout the season until we can find some consistent scores.”
Harrow said Thomas Wilson currently has the ability to post scores in the upper 40s. “He may well find himself sitting in the three spot if he continues to work on his game,” noted Harrow.
The remaining players are new to the game. “We are working together on the range and on the course to hone in on some skills that will improve their play,” said Harrow.
Daddario and Stamm are baseball players “so they have somewhat of a natural swing or go at the ball,” said Harrow. “We just need to tone them back a bit and get them to understand that a consistent swing is paramount in golf.”
Butler, in his second year, “continues to show improvement and is getting some lessons from a PGA professional to help him gain more consistency,” said Harrow.
“Moncrief came out of the gate swinging pretty well and I think he will be an attribute once he gets a few more weeks under his belt,” said Harrow.
The Chargers have a 10-match schedule and played against district rival Mathews at PRGC on Tuesday, August 27. On Wednesday, August 28, the Chargers played Essex at PRGC.
On Thursday, August 29, the Chargers traveled to Quinton Oaks to take on Rappahannock. On Tuesday, September 3, the Chargers play Lancaster at The Golden Eagle course in Irvington, and on Thursday, September 5, they play Northumberland and Lancaster at Indian Creek Country Club in Kilmarnock.
All matches are nine holes and begin at 4 p.m. Family, friends and the community are encouraged to come out and show support for these young men. Golf carts are available to follow the players on the course.
