Golf is one of the high school spring sports that can begin in late March and a couple of area teams in Lower Cape May and Ocean City began their seasons last week. Another in Wildwood had a match on Wednesday of this week.
The others will be in action for the first time by early next week.
The following is a look at each of Cape May County’s high school golf teams:
CAPE MAY TECH
Jeff Sobrinski’s team has quite a few golfers back from last year’s two-win team but is still on the inexperienced side, with just one senior on the roster in Connor Johnson.
Other returnees include juniors Matt Rutherford, Dominic Krajicek and Gage Hicks and sophomores Scott Wiltshire, Chris Porto and Zach Johnson.
Newcomers to the team include sophomores Ruby Redmond and Joe Schuck and freshman David Wurtz.
“We’re working on the fundamentals, looking to improve and be more competitive in the CAL,” said Sobrinski, now in his eighth season at Cape May Tech.
Cape May Tech plays its home matches at Union League National Golf Club (formerly Sand Barrens).
Tech’s first match is April 9 at St. Joseph.
— Brian Cunniff
LOWER CAPE MAY
Lower Cape May enjoyed a solid 12-4 campaign in 2017 and hopes to be just as competitive this spring behind six returnees.
The top golfers for Jeff Wunder’s team include seniors Chris Hollandsworth, Justin Glover and Mike Furmento and juniors Kolby Carter, Joe Baker and Jack Perry.
Lower opened its season with a 188-196 loss at ACIT on March 28. Carter led the team with a 46. The team does not play again until April 9 at Cedar Creek.
Lower uses Cape May National Golf Club as its home course.
— Brian Cunniff
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP
Middle features one of the region’s top programs. The Panthers return quite a few golfers from last year’s team, which went unbeaten in 16 matches and won the Cape-Atlantic National Conference title.
Leading the way are seniors Peter Conlin and Vincent Lamanna and sophomores P.J. Schulte, Laura Porto and Andrew Kapp, all of whom were integral parts of last year’s team.
Others returning with experience include seniors Travis Marshall, Tyler MacLeod and Zach Hurtado.
“If a couple players can take a leap forward from last year we will be in the hunt to win the conference and compete in the South-Central Group I playoffs,” said second-year coach Dave Joslin.
Middle, which plays its home matches at Avalon Golf Club, has its first match on April 10 against Wildwood Catholic.
— Brian Cunniff
OCEAN CITY
Ocean City, the defending South Jersey Group III champions, began their season at home at Greate Bay Golf Club in Somers Point last week with a 163-257 win over Atlantic City.
Senior Jack Sullivan recorded two birdies and shot 37 and senior Matt Blaker had a birdie and a 38 to lead the Raiders. Senior Craig Nordberg and sophomore Luke Neff each carded 44s.
Ocean City is co-coached by Ed Ritti and Bryan Chojnacki, who are entering their fifth season in charge. The team is next in action Friday at Millville.
— Tom Williams
WILDWOOD
With all six golfers back from last year’s four-win team, Ione Laffey’s Warriors are looking for some improvement in 2018.
Junior Tyler Tomlin and sophomores Robert Little and Jaxon Tomlin lead the way for Wildwood. Juniors Divad Reyes, Jared Lopez and Ahmed Benmiled also return.
“We’re trying to better our averages and increase from the four wins we had last year,” said coach Ione Laffey.
Wildwood opened its season Wednesday at home at the Shore Club (formerly Wildwood Country Club) with a forfeit win over Bridgeton, which didn’t have enough players to score as a team. Tyler Tomlin shot 46 to lead the Warriors.
The Warriors next play Tuesday at Clayton.
— Brian Cunniff
WILDWOOD CATHOLIC
Wildwood Catholic features a very young team this spring, with just one of last year’s top six golfers back in the fold in senior Taylor Ohntrup.
Other returning golfers include seniors Dennis Libro and Jack Hendee.
Newcomers are senior Mat Capozzoli, sophomores Matt Vogdes and freshman Jared Hopping.
“Our team hopes to learn a lot about the game of golf throughout the season,” said Crusader coach Matt Schelling. “While inexperienced, we hope to remain competitive in every match.”
Wildwood Catholic’s first match is April 10 at Middle Township. The Crusaders use the Shore Club (formerly Wildwood Country Club) as their home course.
— Brian Cunniff