The 17th annual Vern McGonagle Memorial tournament is back at Naperville Country Club as our six local teams were able to avoid the majority of the days rain and enjoy the nine-hole tournament. Defending McGonagle champion Will Troy from Waubonsie Valley is back for his senior as the boys played holes 10-18.
18th Hole
Starting on 18 is Parker Mullen from Naperville North and this chip just off the green rolls close enough to the hole for Mullen to tap in for a par to start his afternoon.
In the same group is Matt Newman from Neuqua Valley, a state qualifier from last year. This long birdie putt settles just inches from the pin, Newman also taps in for par. His score of 41 matches the top score of the day for the Wildcats.
Staying on 18 with Naperville Central’s Jack Busch, this chip from the fairway is right on target and ends up just a few club lengths away from the cup. Busch ends his day with a 43.
16th Hole
Not a ton of varsity experience for Metea Valley, but the Mustangs hanging right near the top thanks to putts like this from Aman Shah, he rolls a 40 on the day after tapping in for par on 16.
Still on the 16th hole and Waubonsie Valley’s Kenton Esch with one of the best shots of the day, despite the distance and being behind a tree, the shot takes a friendly roll two feet from the pin. Esch finishes up for birdie as the Warriors look to repeat as team champions.
12th Hole
Over to the 12th hole and Metea Valley gets a big shot from Vignesh Swarnum, who gets this long birdie putt to go. Swarnum with a 40 on the day as the Mustangs finish in 4th, but only 6 strokes out of first place.
Benet Academy with a strong team performance as Brian Moran sets himself up for a par save on 12 with a tough down hill chip through thick grass. The Redwings were led by Moran’s score of 41, a 39 from Jack Driscoll and a team best 38 from Quinn Shanley.
17th Hole
Will Troy chipping for birdie off the green to end his day on 17. The speed is right on the money, leaving an easy par putt as Troy ends his day tied for 4th with a 40. Warrior teammate Jacob Fritz takes the individual trophy with a 37.
Benet Academy takes home the team championship by three strokes over Waubonsie Valley with a 160 total. The Redwings used brilliant shots like this from Charlie Schuster to secure the win and the team McGonagle Memorial trophy. Neuqua Valley finishes third, just two strokes behind Waubonsie.
Check out how the girls teams faired at the tournament!
