John Jay Golfers Hoping to Finish Strong

Scroll to end for photos

On Monday April 27, John Jay got into the swing with Fox Lane at Waccabuc Country Club and hoped to improve their 4-3 record. A respectable mark, according to Asher Barnett, the Wolf employed a golfer mentality to the halfway point of the season.

“It’s how we finish, not how we start,” said the sophomore.

A sentiment that mirrors his strength as a golfer. “Scrambling where even if my hole doesn’t go perfect, I can still scrape together a parr,” said Barnett

So his drive accuracy in need of improvement, Barnett knows what that means. “If the driver is working, that’s when I tend to go low," the golfer clarified.

Averaging about a 42 this year, he’s got the game broken down. “You have to keep the ball in play and never putt more than two times,” Barnett asserted.

Wally Ryder concurred on the latter and attributes the improvement in his game to the short game. “It’s been a lot of practice,” said the senior.

Good for a 39 average, the hardware hasn’t hurt either. “Grateful for the parents,” he thanked for his new clubs, and about a 310 yard average on his drive really helps compute the bottom line.

The software has a say in his success too. “My mental game is always great,” Ryder said.

The same goes for Henry Millhon’s approach to the right mindset for such a demanding mental game. “The strength of my game is my fashion. I got the hat, I got the glasses, I bring it all,” he was clearly enjoying another beautiful day on the golf course.

A low 40s average makes the point and so does a good short game. “I have a lot of free time to practice,” said the sophomore.

Ollie Yuan also zeroes in as he gets close. “Somedays my strength is my short game, and some days it’s my approach shots,” said the Wolf.

His driver in need of improvement, the sophomore does his best to not let the sand, the ponds and the tree line get him down. “I just try to focus on the next shot,” he said.

Up from JV, Brennan Hodge’s 44 average is a bit lower than last year. “Practice,” he said, “that’s what this game is. Being able to repeat a swing over and over until it’s consistent.”

His approach has served him well, but achieving more distance on his drive comes with complication. “It’s a lot easier to be accurate when you’re not hitting the ball as far, and now that I’ve added some distance, I’ve had trouble keeping it in the fairway,” the senior.

In addition, Hodge can get too caught up in what the other team is doing. “If they stick it, and you got to get close, it’s definitely a factor,” he lamented.

He still averages a 44, and modest goals keep him level. “I just want to get better and have a good senior year,” Hodge said.

A year behind, James Strauss shoots around 40 and firing away off the tee is his strength. He’s also stepped up his short game. “I switched a lot of putters and spent a lot more time practicing,” said Strauss.

As for the team aspect, the junior likes how everyone is above board. “We’re pretty consistent and don’t have anyone always going high,” he said.

And that bodes well for the possibilities. “We still have a shot at winning the sectionals,” concluded Barnett.

Click Image for Photos

If you are looking for a sports photographer, I can be reached at 914 318 0997 or at [email protected]