Pundits say that golf is losing the younger generations to activities consuming less time, expense and frustration. That doesn’t seem to be the case, at least not this year, at St. Ed’s.
“I think it’s going to be a great year for us because we have a strong player at every position, and I get the feeling in general that we are going to do pretty well,” says senior Jake Corvino. He wasn’t the only one exuding the positive vibe that seems to permeate the entire squad about what lies ahead for St. Ed’s 2014 varsity boys golf team.
“We had tryouts this year and actually had enough interest to make cuts for the varsity team,” Head Coach Rick Hartley said. “We kept seven on the varsity and ten more formed a junior varsity team. We have three new members on the varsity, and three of the seven are freshmen. We’re very excited about having a future with these guys as they grow, develop and improve their skills.”
The present has already shown promise. After a rainout at Grand Harbor to open the season in early September, the Pirates acquitted themselves well in a 156-173 loss to district favorite Benjamin at Bears Golf Club in West Palm Beach. Corvino carded a 40, followed by Fahad Ahmed’s 42, Blake Schmalenberger’s 45 and Trey Meadows’s 46.
The top four scorers remained constant as the team jumped to a 2-1 record last week by posting resounding victories on consecutive days at Grand Harbor (par 36).
Schmalenberger (37), Meadows (40), Corvino (41) and Ahmed (42) paced a 160-235 rout of Community Christian. The following afternoon, Ahmed (38), Corvino (39), Meadows (40) and Schmalenberger (40) were three strokes better as Morningside Academy fell 157-229.
You might notice by the numbers that consistency is paramount with this foursome. Only Meadows has not taken team honors, and that is likely to be rectified sooner rather than later. After all, he tees off at No. 1 in a meritocracy that takes into account scores posted in practice rounds and varsity matches.
“It feels good to finally be No. 1,” Meadows said. “I’ve been playing a lot this summer, working hard and focusing on my practice sessions. I’m happy with my game, but I do want to keep improving. Right now my putting and chipping are spot-on. I need to work on my driving a little bit.”
Still only a freshman in his third year on the varsity, Meadows has plenty of time for improvement and some fabulous family support as he hopes to eventually play in college and as even a pro. His dad is the club pro at Quail Valley.
“We normally use the driving range and teaching center at Quail Valley on Wednesdays,” Hartley said. “The kids use videotape to look at their swings. We can tell them what we think, but it helps a lot more when they see it themselves.
“Don Meadows and St. Ed’s graduate Sal Spallone have helped us tremendously with the mental game as well as with suggestions on swings and other skills.”
Corvino checks in at No. 2 in his fifth year on the varsity. He expects to improve as the season progresses after a summer dedicated to a completely different pursuit, but one with an unexpected connection to golf.
“I was very busy this summer with a play over at the Vero Beach Theater Guild,” Corvino said. “I want to go to a good liberal arts college and try everything I can and see what I want to do after that. I really feel that I want to do theater as a profession and sneak in a little golf. It would be cool to be on a college team.
“In golf I do feel a little more excitement when there’s a gallery around, obviously not hooting and hollering as much as they would with Tiger Woods, but I really do enjoy having an audience. That does segue into the theatrical part of my life as well. That’s how the two of them tie in.
“My ball striking has gotten much better in the past year probably because I’m a little taller. My weak point would be wedge shots from 115 yards and closer. Overall I think my game is shaping up pretty well. It’s not where I want it to be for districts just yet, but I think I’ll be alright by then.
Three-year varsity veteran Ahmed and newcomer Schmalenberger, both juniors, have a firm grip on the No. 3 and 4 spots. Ahmed is a known quantity for Hartley, Schmalenberger a pleasant addition.
“Blake (Schmalenberger) transferred in last year after the golf season,” Hartley said. “I was introduced to him last spring. He’s a very good player. It was a complete surprise to me.”
“This is the most talented group I’ve had in the past four or five years. We have high expectations and I see great things coming with these kids.”