For the past nine contests, the boys varsity golf team has always had to deal with multiple teams on its tail. However, on Wednesday, the boys only had one team to worry about: Grand Rapids Christian. Although freshman Philip Murdock and senior Jeremy James represented FHC admirably by finishing their rounds in first place, head coach Paul TenEyck saw this dual match as a complete team effort—an effort that carried the Rangers to a 19-21 victory over the Eagles. 

“Today’s win was a total team effort,” coach TenEyck said. “These are the kind of matches that can leave a huge mark on a team’s season; it was just a great win.”

Without a few pivotal moments from individuals such as Philip and Jeremey, though, the boys’ victory over Christian wouldn’t have been possible. Philip and Jermey mirrored the philosophy basketball players use when they have the craving to hit “one more” shot before the end of practice and save the best for last. On the ninth and final hole, Jeremey made a huge putt to hold the lead. Also on nine, Philip hit a picture-perfect shot that landed him within three feet of the hole for a birdie opportunity. Philip sank the three-foot gimme and shut the door on Grand Rapids Christian’s Josh Pastoor and Adam Workman chances to claim a spot in the winners’ circle.

“My putting and my driver really played a key part in me placing first,” Philip said. “This performance lets me know that I can play at a high level and compete, which gives me confidence going into the final stretch of the season.”

Next Monday at Muskegon Country Club, the boys are scheduled to pack their bags and travel to compete against a team dubbed by “Mlive” as a team that “exhibits crazy depth.” Mona Shores is the monster of Division 1. They finished in second place at the Next Tee Invite, a tournament featuring the best golfers in the state, and they have obliterated every opponent so far this season. Switching gears from a mediocre Grand Rapids Christian team to the Division 1 top-ranked Sailors squad should be a challenging test for FHC. Featuring regular medalists like senior Andrew Taylor and junior Owen DeLong, the Sailors are a team to be reckoned with. FHC is annually invited to play in the Mona Shores Invitational, so coach TenEyck is used to coaching his golfers through the struggles of playing against top-end talent. 

“We are always in the tournament,” coach TenEyck said. “With that being said, we are always in it because it’s one of the best courses and fields. The competition is always stacked there.”