After starting the season with a 4-2 record, the Andover Golf Team came in third at “The Masters” of all its matches, the Andover Newport Invitational. The tournament was held at the famed Newport Country Club, one of the oldest golf courses in the United States and host of numerous major events such as the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, and the U.S. Amateur Championship. Although the tournament may not be as important as those noted above, it is the highlight of the team’s year, especially for the Seniors. The team faced off against eight very talented teams in perfect golfing conditions. Over the past few years, the conditions at Newport have been dismal and cold. Nicholas Koh ’08 commented on the phenomenal course conditions, “I can’t ever remember the course being in such amazing shape. The last two years it has been foggy and rainy. By the end of my round last year, I could not see fifty yards in front of me.” Deerfield, undefeated, looked to be the strongest team in Andover’s path. Andover looked for its top three players, Koh ’08, Ben Ho ’11 and Wutae Lee ’10 to break 80. Ho finished his round with a career-best score of three- over-par 75, just one off the lowest score of the day. Although Ho’s score was the highlight of the day, Andover’s other golfers posted excellent scores to give the team a podium finish. Lee came in with an excellent score of 79, while Koh followed up on Lee’s smart play with an 82. Although the Andover team fought valiantly, Deerfield took first place with a phenomenal combined score of 303. Andover finished third overall. The team looks to provide Deerfield with some tough competition as it travels to Western Massachusetts to take on the Newport Champions at the Crumpin-Fox Club. Andover will need each of its golfers to have season-best rounds in order to upset Deerfield.
