After two tough home defeats against Dexter Southfield and Deerfield Academy, Andover Golf found redemption on the road with a commanding win against St. Paul’s on Wednesday. Although the team ended last week on uneven greens and hard-fought matches, it started this week on a high note as the team pulled together for a mentally resilient performance.
Despite entering the Dexter Southfield match on Friday with confidence, Andover fell short. The greens at Indian Ridge, riddled with aeration holes, posed a significant challenge that stifled the team’s putting game and momentum.
“We were putting on some really terrible greens, for Dexter, we could have done a few things better for sure, but it really came down to course conditions. Still, no one’s blaming anyone—just tough luck,” said Ian Kim ’28.
The next day’s match against Deerfield was tighter than the final score of 3.5 to 8.5 might suggest. Most matches came down to the final holes, but again, Andover couldn’t capitalize in the clutch.
“We definitely recognized Deerfield as a tough opponent going in, a lot of matches were decided on holes 17 and 18. We just didn’t close out,” said Kim.
Kevin Zheng ’26 echoed that assessment and cited improving iron play as a positive take away from the match.
“Our irons were absolutely phenomenal. But when we stuck a 50-degree wedge to two feet, we’d still three-putt on those aerated greens. The conditions just killed our putting,” said Zheng.
Still, some players made a mark even in defeat. Zheng highlighted Ann Zhao ’25’s a strong performance early in the match against Deerfield. He also suggested that practice efforts had shown results—just not on greens that resembled “pothole fields.”
“Ann played really well against Deerfield. I watched her first three holes. I didn’t watch the end, which is probably why she lost—but those first few holes were impressive. The holes were the size of potholes—there were thousands of them on each green. It made putting really difficult. Honestly, that played a crucial role in our loss,” said Zheng.
With lessons learned and no aerated greens in sight, the team traveled to St. Paul’s on Wednesday and delivered a decisive win, despite a rain delay and a reshuffled roster.
“We didn’t have our usual number one for varsity playing, but even with a different lineup, we came out with a good win,” said co-captain Heyon Choi ’25.
Kim also shouted out Sebastian Montemayor ’27 for his grit at the top of the lineup and ability to tie with a tough opponent this Wednesday.
“His opponent was having the best round of his life… Sebastian really stayed in it, made a 10-footer for par to tie everything up,” said Kim.
As the team looks ahead to the III tournament this weekend, players and coaches alike are focusing on mental resilience and a sharper competitive edge.
“We all know how strong our team is, but we can’t just rely on confidence. Golf is a mental game. You have to believe in yourself, but also admit there are things to improve. At least for me, I felt I always let my guard down a little in the beginning. Then I realize on the third and fourth holes that I need to lock-in,” said Choi.
With improved putting surfaces, stronger individual play, and a hard-learned humility, Andover Golf is entering the Independent International Invitational tournament this weekend not just with momentum, but with renewed purpose.
