Golf Finishes in Top 20 in National Invitational

It was 105 degrees, and somehow the strong winds only made it warmer. But for the St. Albans golf team, the adverse conditions were no match for the excitement of playing in the National Invitational High School Golf Tournament. When the final putt was tapped in, St. Albans was bringing home a top-20 finish to the District of Columbia.

Having clinched a spot with a victorious efforts in the DCSAA State Championship in May, the St. Albans golf team joined 52 state champion teams in packing their bags and traveling to Frisco, Texas. The tournament was a 54 hole stroke play event that was held on three tough 7,300 yard courses: Fields Ranch East, Fields Ranch West, and The Tribute.

 

St. Albans' top five golfers made the trip to Frisco, including graduating seniors Grant Lester and Harrison Latimer, rising senior Oliver Wang, and rising juniors Sam Malm and Henry Tracy. All five golfers shot at least one round in the 70's despite the brutal conditions. Low rounds included 77's by Henry (at Fields Ranch West), Oliver (at Fields Ranch East), and Sam (at The Tribute), a 76 by Harrison (at the Tribute) and a 1 under par 71 by Grant (at The Tribute).

 

Not only did the St. Albans squad shine on the course, but their character caught the attention of a high-powered spectator. According to Head Golf Coach Tom Carroll, "PGA Director of the National High School Golf Association, Mike McDonald met all of our players during the tournament and was impressed with how respectful and polite they were."

As the team returned to Washington, DC, Coach Carroll made it clear, "I have a feeling that this will not be our last time competing in this tournament."

This trip would not have been possible without the support of countless parents. Special thanks to Malcolm Lester and Hilary Cairns (Grant's parents) and Nicole Latimer (Harrison's mom) who drove, fed, and took care of the boys, and looked for stray golf balls in the blistering heat.