High schools across the entire state support the new fall girls’ golf proposal now under consideration by the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association.

The DIAA Golf Committee recently approved a proposal to create developmental-level access to girls interested in playing the lifetime sport as part of their high school athletic experience. Currently, girls participate at about 15% of the total competing in Delaware’s spring coed golf system.  

The thinking is that if girls’ golf operated as a sex-separate sport as in most other states, their participation would increase significantly.

As it's a Level 1 developmental sport, schools can experiment and create interest among their students without the full structure and commitment applicable to varsity athletics.

Implementation of the new initiative at Level 1 requires approval by the DIAA’s board of directors, according to Executive Director David Baylor. Toward that end, the DIAA sent an inquiry letter I signed as a golf committee member to the state’s athletic directors, high school principals and the leadership of the state’s athletic conferences. Sent with the letter was a copy of the proposal’s competitive framework, explaining its features and rationale.

The initial statewide response has been good, with positive input from Cape Region schools especially appreciated.

Cape Henlopen, Delmarva Christian and Sussex Academy have all signaled their support for the initiative. Milford and Indian River also said they are interested. 

Keith Kendzierski Jr., the golf coach for Sussex Academy and the head of the Delaware Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association, is seeking additional support from other schools.

Dover Athletic Director Kevin Turner wrote in to say he liked it and expressed interest in learning the next steps.

Ursuline Academy AD Lauren DiSabatino contacted me directly. Her school would like to start the program this fall, if possible. She also said, “I wanted to put us on your radar so we can be included if we are able to get this off the ground.” 

Saint Mark’s High School, a Catholic coed school near Newark, also expressed interest in separate talks with Scott Allen, PGA, the First Tee of Delaware’s director of development & programs.  

Allen and Lesley Corydon, president of the Delaware Women’s Golf Association, have reached out to the golf clubs and club pros, as nothing will happen without their cooperation.

“I have several courses that would be interested in hosting events/matches for the girls,” Allen said recently. He said two courses, one in Sussex County and one in New Castle County “both just need dates and number of players.”

He believes at least five other courses throughout Delaware would host matches if the dates and player numbers could be finalized. Time and spaces for on-course practice sessions in the fall also do not seem to present major difficulties. 

The DIAA regulations regarding Level 1 sports contemplate that these programs can be approved for implementation with up to 12 participating schools. With at least eight schools already noting their support for this initiative, and the potential support of the DIAA board of directors at a future meeting, I am optimistic about girls’ golf teams becoming part of Delaware’s scholastic athletic opportunities.

U.S. Kids World Teen Championships

Brody Rollins of Milton and Lucas Skonieczki of Rehoboth Beach competed in the U.S. Kids World Teen Championship July 23-25 in Pinehurst, N.C. The two junior golfers competed with 148 others in the boys' 13-year-old category in what was scheduled for 54 holes over three days.

The weather did not cooperate, with repeated rain delays wreaking havoc on the schedule. The field managed to complete 36 holes from Thursday through Saturday.

Rollins shot a 79-69-148 total to tie for 37th with five other players, including one from Thailand. Skonieczki posted a 75-74-149, one stroke behind Rollins and tied for 43rd.  

Ben Roethlisberger Jr. of Sewickley, Pa., was among the 13 golfers tied with Skonieczki. And, yes, his dad Big Ben played for the Steelers.

Hollerback at U.S. Junior Amateur

Congratulations to Sussex Central senior Jake Hollerback for his performance at the U.S. Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa.

The 2025 DIAA state boys’ champion missed the cut in the two-day stroke play qualifying rounds at 78-77-155, nine strokes behind the golfers who qualified for the field of 64 for the match play rounds thereafter. However, his total put him about 50 spots above the golfer in last place.

Local club competition results

Kings Creek CC 9-Hole LGA played a team one gross and one net game July 23. Denise Sills, Kara Bourdreau, Pamela Cranston and blind draw Jennifer Liner won first place. 

Sherry Schaffer, Ann DeBlasi, Vicki St. Germain and Jen Walker took second place, with Marie Murray, Allison Sapka, Juanita Wilson and Marni Goldberg finishing third.

The Kings Creek CC 18-Hole LGA also played a one gross and one net game July 23. Jacqueline Everett, Ann Berry, Linda Kelleher and Lesley Corydon took first place. 

Deborah Ward, Kathleen Nilles, Ana Dittel and Carol Simon won second place, with Erin Reid, Lynn Sweeney, Stephanie Castaldi and Leslie Ledogar finishing in third.