Golf

Dynasty Dawgs

Sullivan West’s boys golf team wins fifth straight Division IV title; Armstrong pars the course in win over Tri-Valley

By RICHARD A. ROSS

CALLICOON, NY — Golf is a quiet game and unless you’re playing on the professional level, there are no galleries of fans holding their breath and no television commentators quietly whispering their remarks about the nuances of the game.

So it was with little fanfare and no major headlines that Sullivan West captured its fifth straight Division IV crown on May 28 with a 204-227 win over Tri-Valley. The victory completed another undefeated season of league play (16-3, 12-0 OCIAA) and, just like a year ago, the two losses to Sullivan West were the only league defeats suffered by the Bears (15-3, 10-2 OCIAA).

The Bulldogs prevailed in the first match held at Tarry Brae by the score of 218-222.

Justin Armstrong, who will be heading to the state championship along with Liberty’s Josh Goldstein as Sullivan County’s representatives on the Section Nine squad, shot an even par 35 to lead his team to victory. Artie Norden turned in a three over par 38 and Melanie Kleiner shot a 39. Kevin Correa’s 42 and Mike Hahn’s 50 completed the round’s scoring.

Armstrong, Norden, Correa and Kleiner participated in the OCIAA Championships. All except Kleiner made the cut for the Section Nine tourney. Armstrong finished fifth to earn his trip to Cornell University for the state meet.

Tri-Valley was led by Dave McDonald, who shot a five over par 40. John Bernstein shot a 42. The duo represented the Bears in the Section Nine tourney. McDonald made the cut on the first day but missed the chance to advance to states.

John Benevites shot 46 and Ryan Mickelson’s 49, along with Jim Bernstein’s 50, completed the tally for the Bears.

Sullivan West can look forward to another productive year in 2009, as the nexus of the team returns for one more season.