By Carl Sweeney — Sports Contributor
The Concord-Carlisle varsity golf team notched its first of four straight wins in a decisive match on September 9. Senior captains Will Spring and Erika Redmond set the tone early, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership on the Leo J. Martin course in Weston.
Throughout the day, the team’s strategy was clear: Keep the ball in the short grass and dominate around the hole with their wedges and putters. Their consistent putting and accuracy off the tee most of the day helped maintain control over Waltham from start to finish.
Players had to navigate around imperfections on most of the putting surfaces. Fortunately, many found themselves with short to mid-range putts, allowing for relatively easy tap-ins and reducing the pressure on their longer putts.
Those posting good numbers in their first match included Spring (who shot a 37), Ahrinn Desai (38), Jake Erston (39), and rookie Joe Grasso (41).
“We’re deep, and we’ve got a good shot this year,” Spring said. “I think we have a chance to create something really special.”
On a roll
The team extended its winning streak, besting Lincoln-Sudbury (39.5 to 32.5), Westford Academy (41.5 to 30.5), and Wayland (65 to 18).
In the first match, Smith and Desai showcased their impressive ball striking and putting skills, carding scores of 36 and 37, respectively. Sophomores Glen Murdough and Sophie Redmond delivered in the clutch, sinking birdies late in their rounds to secure crucial match wins.
During the Westford match, all eight Patriots starters had rounds in the 30s to help keep their unbeaten streak alive. Junior Theo Price wowed spectators by driving the green on the 241-yard, par 4 seventh hole and sank his winding, 8-foot putt for his first-ever eagle. Price finished the day with an even-par 35.
Sophomore Jake Erston was the low medalist of the day, with a 1-under 34, and junior Ben Ohanian, filling in for a sick Grasso, carded an impressive 38 despite double-bogeying two holes. Spring and Erika Redmond posted rounds of 35 and 39.
The ‘Birdie Club’ grows
An emphasis in practice on the short game has been paying dividends, as most of the starting eight players have been routinely sticking their wedge shots close and finishing the hole strong by sinking their putts.
Six of the eight players in the Wayland match finished between even par and three over. Those joining the “Birdie Club” in this match included Murdough, Spring, Price, Ohanian, Erika Redmond, and Ahrinn Desai. Tying for low medalist in that match were Spring and Ohanian.
