The golf team won its first match of the season this afternoon against League VI opponent Mt. Sinai, raising their record to 1-2. The Bears won five of their six individual matches, outshooting the Mustangs 238-250 en route to an 8-1 victory. The odds were stacked against the Brook as they traveled to Willow Creek, Mt. Sinai’s home course. The Mustangs enjoy a distinct advantage on their course because it is very difficult, with water hazards scattered throughout; furthermore, most of their golfers are members of the course and are familiar with its layout.

Despite these obstacles, the Brook played sound golf from top to bottom and notched one in the win column. Captain and #1 player Tyler Abrahamsen led the way with a five-over 41, battling back from a nearly disastrous start. He parred the first hole, double-bogeyed the second, and triple-bogeyed the third to put him 5+ after three holes. Coach Mike Hickey alluded to the fact that most players in that position would be defeated mentally and let their bad round continue to spiral, but Abrahamsen’s focus and tenacity won out as he parred out his six remaining holes, beating his opponent by ten strokes. He would later say, “It was the best worst match I ever played.” Another key stat from the match was the number two through six players for the brook were all within three strokes of each other, which contributed to the solid team score.

Tyler Abrahamsen shot a 41 on the par 36 front nine at Willow Creek for Stony Brook (1-2) in League VI.

~ Newsday

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