SOMERS, N.Y. - On Wednesday, May 13, the Tuskers teed it up against Brewster at Somers Pointe Golf Club in Heritage Hills. Hovering around the .500 mark this season, the team has shown significant improvement under coach Kevin Mallon.
“This is the best team we’ve had,” Mallon said. “In the past, we’ve had one elite golfer, but this year it’s been the deepest team from one through eight.”
Mallon first pointed to Jordan Mancini as one of the team’s standouts.
“He’s just a great overall golfer and really hits the ball well off the tee,” the coach said.
The same can be said for sophomore John Seeger, whose improved approach shots have helped bring his scores down into the high 30s.
“My approach shots have been getting better,” Seeger said.
For Seeger, the satisfaction of striking a great shot is what keeps him coming back.
“It keeps you coming back day after day,” he said.
His favorite part of the game, however, is simple.
“I love bombing a drive,” Seeger said.
Of course, golf comes with its frustrations as well, whether it’s shanks or sand traps. Seeger said success in the sport comes down to staying even-keeled.
“You’ve got to be able to balance those good shots and bad shots,” he explained.
That mindset also helps him as a football player.
“It teaches me that no matter where we are in the game — high or low — you’ve got to keep your head level and keep grinding,” Seeger said.
West Hill’s narrow layout certainly tests that mentality, and senior Joey Fink knows why.
“It really makes you want to play better and work on your strokes,” Fink said.
Still, he can joke about the occasional lost ball.
“I get to play for free,” the Tusker laughed.
Fink admitted his irons remain the biggest challenge in his game.
“I’ve got to work on my irons,” he said.
Still, averaging in the low 40s, he lights up when it’s time to pull out the driver.
“Confident,” Fink said. “I love hitting that.”
The Tuskers also enjoy the camaraderie that comes with the sport.
“It’s a great group of guys,” said Sebastian Labate. “They’re fun to hang out with and everyone has a level head.”
Labate, who has also been shooting in the high 30s, credited his putting for helping elevate his game.
“Putting has been beneficial to my game,” he said.
He also pointed to his tee shots as a major strength.
“My tee shots have been the biggest part and help me get to the hole,” the freshman said.
Still, he knows where improvement is needed.
“Anything from 100 yards in — getting to the green and getting close — I need to work on that,” Labate said.
In the end, Labate enjoys the unique challenges golf presents.
“I love that every course comes with a different challenge,” he said.
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