The view from the top suits Clarkston’s golf team.
The Wolves 153-160 victory over Rochester on Sept. 20 and 155-164 win on Sept. 26 against Lahser pale in comparison to their 157-163 triumph over league rival Rochester Adams on Sept. 21.
With Adams winning the first OAA league tournament on Aug. 26 and Clarkston taking the second league tournament on Sept. 15, the teams? dual match held massive implications for the eventual league champion.
Now, the Wolves control their own destiny in regard to the OAA Division I league title. Should they win their final dual match of the season against Lake Orion on Sept. 29 at Liberty Golf course, Clarkston will win the league outright this year.
‘You want to get the league wrapped up so you can concentrate on the state tournament,? said Clarkston Coach Tim Kaul.
Senior Rob Ronk was the medalist in Clarkston’s match against Adams, shooting a 36. Senior Pat McIlrath (39), senior Mike Horn (40) and sophomore Matt Fuller (41) followed Ronk to fill the Wolves? score card.
The same foursome bore the load against Rochester. Horn medaled with a 36 while Fuller (37), McIlrath (39) and Ronk (41) followed.
Against Lahser, Kaul mixed in some players who have not played a great deal this year and was rewarded in his gamble.
Junior Chris Graczyk led Clarkston with a 36.
‘We got help from unexpected quarters … (Grazcyk’s) score was totally unexpected and welcomed,? said Kaul.
Ronk (39), Horn (40) and McIlrath (40) completed the Wolves score card against Lahser.
Following the Lake Orion dual match, Clarkston jumps directly into post-season play as the first ever golf districts tee off at 8 a.m. on Sept. 30. The top six teams at districts advance to regionals played in between Oct. 7-9
‘I would be devastated if we aren’t in the top 6 at districts,? said Kaul.
Districts are at Heather Highlands, where Clarkston won the second OAA Division I Tournament on Sept. 15.
‘I personally like Heather Highlands. It’s fairly wide open and there’s room to work the ball,? said Kaul.
Kaul expects his team, currently ranked fourth in the state by the Coaches Association, to meet with stiff challenges at districts from No. 3 Grand Blanc, No. 11 Adams, Lake Orion and host team Holly.