After a large break from competitive seasons due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Varsity Boys Golf team has maintained a strong group with many returning players and some new faces. 

The Boys Varsity Golf team traveled to The Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island, to participate in the Andover Invitational Tournament on April 30th. The team of 8 was led by Coach Jason Maier and Captain Nick Astorian ’22, who is praised by teammates. 

"[Nick] is a perfect balance between a fun and disciplined captain,” said Christian Waldron ’23. “He motivates us to work hard during practice, while maintaining a laid back atmosphere.” 

This season, the team has competed in both Founders League and non-league matches. While the top six players play at matches, only the top five results are counted towards the team’s score. Currently, the team is 12-5. 

Coach Maier is positive about the season and the team’s success in scoring 200 or better as a team. “The season has gone well so far. We’ve had a couple tough matches due to rough weather. This year we have much more discipline than last year as we didn’t have a full schedule due to the pandemic,” he said. 

The Andover Invitational Tournament hosted eight other schools, including Andover, Exeter, and Deerfield. Hotchkiss has sent players to the tournament for many years now. The 18-hole course is part of the Newport Country Club and is renowned for its historic significance and prestige. It was the first national championship venue in 1895 and one of five founding members of the United States Golf Association. 

The team ended up placing sixth out of eight. Astorian, Waldron, and Cam Holland '24 scored the best score on the team, each shooting an 86 on the par 70 course. Waldron said, “It wasn’t the result we were looking for, but everyone was super stoked about playing in Newport. It was a surreal experience to play the same course that Tiger Woods did when he won the US Amateur, and we all found a part of our golf game to work on after playing the course.” 

Coach Maier echoed this sentiment by calling the trip a “blast” and “helping build team camaraderie.” Looking forward, Coach Maier is optimistic about the remaining matches and upcoming tournaments. “With some nice weather  we can finish this season off strong. We have some big tournaments coming up soon [Founders and New Englands]. We just have to continue to shoot 40 on 9 and 80 on 18.” 

Astorian said, “One goal we have as a team is breaking 181 at our home course by the end of year. I also want to set the team up for a good future as we aren’t very senior dependent and we will hopefully have a very good team in the next couple years.” 

The previous course record of 181 was set last year by Captain Nick Astorian ‘22, Christian Waldron ‘23 and others. The Boys Varsity Golf team had an unforgettable experience playing in Newport and is planning to finish its successful season strong with its core values of discipline and hard work.