Cape golf team bounces back
May 19, 2006
The May 10 two-stroke loss to Indian River High School’s golf team may have been just what was needed to put a little fight back into the Cape Henlopen Viking squad.
It was the third straight loss for a team that hadn’t seen more than two losses per season in a long while, but they managed to bounce back with a pair of victories as the season neared its end.
On May 11, the Vikings hosted Polytech High School team at Kings Creek Country Club, and won with one of their best team scores of the season, 161-216.
Alex Hatter led all scorers with a surprising even-par 36 for his first medalist round of the year.
Head Coach Claudio Smarelli said Hatter told him he stayed relaxed during the round. “I came up to him and asked him how he was doing. He said, “It’s fine, coach—I’m one under right now.” Smarelli arched an eyebrow at the memory.
He watched Hatter play one hole, a par-4. The tee shot didn’t go too far past the ladies’ tee, but the second shot landed in a greenside bunker. Hatter splashed out and made the one-putt for par—in other words, a routine par.
His accomplishment also marked the first time in several years that each of the usual six players competing in the matches earned medalist or co-medalist honors during the season.
Travis Parker shot a 40 for second place among the Vikings. “I didn’t have any birdies, but I had a lot of pars,” he said.
Samantha Purple scored a 41, one stroke higher than her best round ever at her home course. “Everything’s finally clicking,” she said.
Jason Hastings completed the team score with his 44. “I was one-under through 4, and went down quick after that.”
On Tuesday, May 16, the team played Hodgson Vo-Tech at Rehoboth Beach Country Club and won handily, 164-222. Once again the team total was among the Vikings’ best performances of the year.
Purple and Hastings both shot 4-over-par 40s on the front nine for co-medalist honors.
Hastings said, “It was okay. I had some trouble with chipping, and gave away some stupid shots.”
Purple seemed more pleased with her score, the best she’s done at Rehoboth in her short competitive golf career. “It was about time,” she smiled. “I birdied the ninth hole, and had a bunch of pars. I could have shot even-par if I made some better putts.”
Parker shot a 41 for third best among the Vikings. “I birdied the [par-3] fifth hole again. I’m good at that hole.”
Hatter closed out the team total with a 43.
Smarelli said he’s equally proud of his team’s academic accomplishments this season. For example, Purple, Hatter, and Hastings are all members of the National Honor Society.
The Vikings close out the regular season on May 18 with a tough road trip to Delcastle Golf Club to play Salesianum, a real powerhouse squad.
Jake’s Seafood House Golf Tournament
B. J. Funderburk is a local banker at WSFS, and a big fan of the Wellness Community’s services to cancer victims and their families. She and her husband Gary have been among the local beneficiaries of the charity.
Funderburk is now the Sussex County representative on the TWC Board of Directors, and is seeking players for the second annual Jake’s Seafood House Golf Tournament, to be held on Sunday, June 25 at Old Landing Golf Course.
Playing spots and tee box sponsorships remain available for the event, with registration scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 10:30 a.m.
For more information, call TWC at 302-227-1155, or Tom Roy at 302-226-2066.
Sussex Golf Classic
Delaware Guidance Services for Children & Youth Inc. is hosting the Second Annual Sussex Golf Classic on Monday, June 12 at Bear Trap Dunes Golf Course in Ocean View.
The scramble-format event begins with lunch at 11:00 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. A reception and awards ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, contact Bear Trap’s pro shop at 302-537-5600, extension 1.