Sophomore golfer Hunter Stetson won the Individual Inter-Ac Championship on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at a blustery Bluestone Country Club.
"It was a very special day for EA Golf during the Bert Linton Championship, known as the Individual Inter-Ac Golf Champs," said Coach Doug Borgerson, Hon. "Hunter is EA's first champion of the Bert Linton this century!"
"Going into the individual champs, I tried to put some extra practice in to be prepared. My game plan for the day was to play conservative and go for the middle of the green and two-putt," explained Hunter. "There was a lot of wind, so I knew pars were going to help me. I was not trying to make birdies, I was just trying to keep high numbers off the card. I did not pull the driver that much and was not aggressive as I normally have been in the regular tournaments."
The top 18 players from each Inter-Ac school, along with one additional selection by each coach, play in the individual championships. Hunter, Jack Yearly '24, Jack Logan '24, and Eric Morgan '22 represented EA. "The conditions were extremely difficult with a chill in the air, blustery wind, and recently punched greens," said Coach Borgerson. "All four boys battled for 18 holes. On the front 9, three of them shot 44. Hunter shot a 39, which put him in the hunt for the title, despite four putting the 9th green."
"Going into the round, I knew that the course would be playing tough based on the windy and cold conditions. Bluestone also played as the hardest course throughout the Inter-Ac season," shared Jack. "Our team, along with my competitors, were unaware the greens would be punched. In order to deal with this unexpected change in conditions, I continually reminded myself that everybody was playing the same course and everybody was sharing the same frustration."
Eric battled on the back to shoot 39 and finished his league career with an 83. "Jack Yearley carded the best 9 of anyone in the field with a one-under 34 on the back to shoot 78- which was good enough for 3rd place," said Coach Borgerson.
After shooting par on 18, Hunter finished with a 77. He then found himself in a sudden victory playoff after a golfer from Germantown Academy also finished with a 77.
"I felt confident going into the playoff. That being said, the nerves were still there," shared Hunter. "I quickly went over to the range to stay loose for when the playoff came. I was nervous on the tee shot but was able to put a solid swing on it. I had a weird shot going into the green, so I was just hoping to put it on. I did that but left myself a very long putt."
"The two boys teed off on 18 both hitting decent drives that just trickled into the rough," recalled Coach Borgerson. "Hunter was away with a wedge in his hand and knocked it pin high 25 feet away. His opponent, also with a wedge, hit it pin high 19 feet away. That meant Hunter would putt first. He did not waste much time and properly sank the long birdie putt. His opponent needed to make a long putt and was unable to convert, Hunter walked away victorious!"
"I took my time and took deep breaths over the putt to calm down," said Hunter. "When I was over my ball, my heart was pounding and I just wanted to give it good speed and if it went in it would be a bonus. That is what I did and it barely trickled in causing a rush of adrenaline and a big fist bump."
"I was proud that I was able to battle back after a horrible start and place 3rd, but I also was frustrated at the early-round mistakes that easily cost me 1st," said Jack. "It was exciting to watch my teammate Hunter win in an exciting playoff. I'm glad we were able to represent EA well on Wednesday."
Hunter and Jack were both named to the All-League First Team.
"It is a great honor to represent the school and the team. We have had great players in the past, and I am sure we will have many more to come with the talent we have," said Hunter. "I would like to give a big thanks to all the people who have helped me out this season, especially the team and coaches. Dr. B has supported me throughout this season and he has been a great coach."
The team wrapped up league play on Monday, Oct. 25 at the 1912 Club in Plymouth Meeting.
Jack Crowley '24 lead the team with a career-best of 36. "We also saw two bounce-back rounds from juniors Henry Macrides and Grayson Jakuc with their 42's each," said Coach Borgerson.
Rounding out the scoring were Jack Yearley, 39, and Hunter Stetson, 41.
The team plays in the PAISAA Championships on Monday, Nov. 1 at The Golf Course at Glen Mills.
