The Cape Henlopen High School golf team began its 2023 season with a fine 174-239 victory over Smyrna High School March 22 at Rehoboth Beach Country Club, the Vikings’ home course.
Freshman Kingston Davis won medalist honors with his 4-over par 40 in his very first varsity golf match. Round highlights included a birdie on the par 5 ninth hole after his second shot nearly reached the green.
A pulled shot into the pond left of the par 3 third hole led to Davis’ only double bogey of the day. “My next shot landed five feet from the hole, but I missed the putt,” he said. “I feel like I should have shot 39.”
Every golfer I have ever met readily understands why Davis would feel that way.
Senior and team captain Ethan Mercer took second place overall and for Cape with his 43. “It was good. I didn’t feel nervous, even after I made a double on 7,” he said.
Sophomore and varsity veteran Jacob Gabbard posted a 45 and felt like he could have done better. A hooked drive into the 15-knot winds blowing in from Rehoboth Bay led to one of his double bogeys. Gabbard also made several pars and a few bogeys.
Tyler Healy played his first varsity match for Cape after playing last season for Sussex Academy and contributed his 46 to complete the team total. “I enjoyed playing a lot and with Kingston. I hope to bounce back more in the next round,” he said.
“It was cold and windy and I think we got what we could have out of the day,” said Vikings head coach Robert Harrod. “For a freshman to come out and be the medalist, obviously I’m super stoked about that.
“It was good to see Ethan come out of the gate his senior year and put out a steady round. I see him getting better,” he said.
Harrod added, “I’m pleased with the competitive nature of this team. They seem to push each other to do better. They supported each other after the match. It was really good to see the camaraderie. It’s just a really cool group of kids – very pleased to be around them.”
Cape’s next scheduled match will require a trip to Jonathan’s Landing Friday, March 24, for a game against Lake Forest.
U.S. Kids Delaware begins second year of tournament action
Last March, the U.S. Kids junior golf tournament series began its first Local Tour in Delaware with weekend rounds at Peninsula Golf & Country Club and Rehoboth Beach CC. Local Tour participants can qualify for the U.S. Kids multi-day tournaments, eventually leading to a national championship.
The second year of the series began March 18 at Baywood Greens, followed by a March 19 round at Rehoboth CC. Kimberly Skonieczki of Rehoboth Beach, one of the Delaware Local Tour organizers and a proud golf parent, said 2023 participation nearly doubled from last year’s promising start. “We had 77 at Baywood and 82 at Rehoboth. The clubs have been really positive,” she said.
The tournaments attract Cape Region juniors and dozens of players from surrounding states. Skonieczki said this year’s group included golfers from upstate Delaware, DC, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Skonieczki also highlighted the work of tournament volunteers Jane and David Rugg of Dover. “Their help has been a huge benefit,” she said.
The 2023 spring series continues with rounds upstate at Maple Dale, Wild Quail and Garrison’s Lake. Skonieczki is finalizing a schedule for a half-dozen or so fall tournaments.
Cape Region participants at Rehoboth Beach CC March 19 included Ben Adkins, Madison Fisher, Jacob Gabbard, Gabrielle Hamstead, Jake Hollerback, Chad Hughey, Samuel Metz, Brody Rollins, Grace, Lucas, and Rose Skonieczki, Jack Tunnell, Peter Van Dalen and Ellie Walls.
For more information about U.S. Kids events, contact its tournaments division at 770-441-3077 or email tournaments@uskidsgolf.com.
Children’s Beach House fundraiser May 22
The Children’s Beach House in Lewes serves children and families across the state, not only during the busy summer season but all year long.
This year’s popular annual charity golf event, begun in 1991 by the late Rowland Marshall, will take place Monday, May 22, at Peninsula Golf & Country Club.
The $300 per player fee covers the round, practice, a boxed lunch, awards dinner, and adult beverages before and during the round. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at several price points.
To register or to become a sponsor, visit cbhinc.org/golf.
Beebe Baywood Classic set May 16
The Beebe Medical Foundation raised more than $175,000 with its series of golf fundraiser tournaments throughout the 2022 season.
Its Baywood Classic, set for Tuesday, May 16, is already sold out for those seeking to play the event. However, you can contact BMF at 302-644-2900 to be added to the waitlist.
Other Cape Region-focused Beebe golf tournaments include the South Coastal Golf Classic Tuesday, June 13, at Bayside and the Jean & Joan Fund Classic Monday, Sept. 11, at Kings Creek Country Club.
For more information go to beebehealthcare.org/beebe-medical-foundation.
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Fritz Schranck has been writing about the Cape Region's golf community since 1999. Snippets, stories and anecdotes from his columns are included in his new book, "Hole By Hole: Golf Stories from Delaware's Cape Region and Beyond," which is available at the Cape Gazette offices, Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, Biblion Books in Lewes, and local golf courses. His columns and book reviews are available at HoleByHole.com.
Contact Fritz by emailing fschranck@holebyhole.com.
