Blair captured its 4th consecutive MAPL golf championship at Hamilton Farm Golf Club on Wednesday. Seniors Brian Li '19 and Jake Mantegna '19 got Blair off to a great start, shooting a 2 over 38 on their opening, alternate shot 9. On the back, a birdie and an eagle from Brian on the 2 par 5's helped them shoot a 3 under 33 for a 71 overall score, the lowest of the day. This led Blair nine shots up after the first groups finished.
Blair's second group, Robbie Donnelly '20 and Dylan Zhang '22, struggled on the first nine, shooting a 9 over 45, that included a demoralizing triple bogey on the 9th hole. But birdies by Dylan on 10 and 11, and an eagle on 14, and steady play by both players on the final holes helped them card a back nine score of 34, for a total of 79.
With all but the final groups in, Blair held a slim 4 stroke lead over Peddie. Blair's final pairing of PJ O'Rourke '19 and Huy Do '20 then ensured the victory shooting a stress free 73, the 2nd lowest score of the day.
"We knew we could be good this year, but until yesterday, we hadn't played our best," said Andrew Sykes, head boys' golf coach. "But we knew that with continued practice, and a positive attitude, it was only a matter of time. And this tournament was perfect for us, as our kids love this format because they get to play with and rely on each other."
