Cape team stumbles a bit in home stretch
May 8, 2009
The Cape Henlopen High School golf squad hit a little rough patch in recent competition, despite some fine individual performances against three Henlopen Conference foes.
The Vikings began this stretch in good form, with a 169-180 victory on April 28, while hosting the Eagles of Smyrna High School. Captain Tristan Karsnitz and freshman Shane Ghigliotty shared co-medalist honors with a pair of 41s. “I had four pars and five bogeys,” Karsnitz said.
Devin Medd shot a 42, which he described as “a good day.” Connor Jones completed the team scoring with a 45, in his first-ever varsity match.
The Vikings had a lot more trouble putting four good scores together in their April 30 match against Sussex Central. Playing the Black Bear nine-hole course at Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View, Cape lost by nine strokes, 162-171.
Karsnitz played one of his best rounds of the year, firing a one-under-par 35 for medallist honors. “I had three birdies and hit every green [in regulation],” he said. “I also had two three-putts.”
Following closely behind, Ghigliotty shot a 38 for second best among the Vikings. However, Nick Purnell’s 48 was third best for Cape, while Jones struggled for his fourth-best 50 in the match.
Purnell admitted to having trouble with Bear Trap’s greens. “I four-putted a couple holes,” he said.
Dan Scrutchfield’s 52 was not what he expected. “I didn’t play well. I don’t know why. I hit the ball long and often,” he said. Matt Kersey also shot a 52 in his varsity match, and quietly said, “I wish I could have done better.”
The team’s struggles continued in their May 1 match against Sussex Tech, losing 168-178 at The Peninsula Golf Club in Millsboro. For some reason, the Ravens seem to have had Cape’s number in the last few years, and this year continued that trend.
Tech’s Clayton Bunting won the medallist position with his one-over-par 37 on The Peninsula’s front nine. Ghigliotty was the best golfer for Cape that day, shooting a 6-over 42. Purnell was second among the Viking golfers with his 44, which included a birdie on the par-five seventh hole.
Karsnitz and Medd placed third and fourth among the Cape players, with a pair of 46s. “I just didn’t play very well. I got a little unlucky, I guess,” Karsnitz said. Medd said, “I was three up through seven, and then went triple bogey quadruple bogey.”
Jones was not happy about his 52 that day. “I took a 7 on the ninth hole, a par 3. My shot landed on the green, and trickled into the water. It was a sucky day.”
Head coach Claudio Smarrelli wasn’t making excuses for his team, but noted that a few players were missing from action during the past week. “We really missed some of the kids, but they just couldn’t be there [due to school trips and personal matters]. We’ll just have to see how the season goes from here.”
If the weather held up, which is no sure thing this year, Cape was to play Delmar on May 5 and Polytech on May 6. The Vikings also have a non-conference match coming up against upstate sports power St. Marks.
Demo days are here again
The folks at Ruddo’s Golf are holding another demonstration day, and Cape Region golfers are welcome to come out and try the new clubs. PGA pro Bret Marshall said they will host the event at Midway Par 3’s driving range on Route 1 on May 30. Club representatives from Callaway, TaylorMade, Nike, and Adams Golf will be there to show off their wares.
Marshall said his store is also running a special offer from Callaway, TaylorMade, and Cleveland. With the purchase of certain models of drivers, a fairway wood will come along, either for free or one dollar. That’s at least a $150 dollar savings, and well worth considering.
For more information about the Ruddo’s demo day or the store’s other offerings, call Marshall at 227-1520.