At least in the first phases of the 2012 season, the Baldwinsville boys golf team has proven itself to be equal to, or better than, any of its CNY Counties League rivals.
The season-opening Syracuse Invitational, which took place Monday at Drumlins Country Club’s East course, saw the Bees shoot 195 to beat nine opponents, none closer than Fayetteville-Manlius, who was second with 204.
Paul Pitcher led B’ville’s effort. He shot 35, one under par, one shot behind the individual champion, West Genesee’s John Clare, who tied for sixth in last June’s state tournament.
Matt Monaco posted a two-over-par 38, while Christian Nizamis posted a 40. Sean Barron and Tim Rothenhoefer both posted 41 as James Pelcher managed a 46.
This soothed, to some degree, the results a couple of days later as B’ville, in its first league matches, split with Liverpool and host Fayetteville-Manlius, barely topping the Warriors 205-208 as they both finished behind the Hornets, who had a 187.
With a 37 at Woodcrest, Pitcher tied F-M’s Sam Alderman and Nick Santoro, but was two shots behind the top individual, the Hornets’ Dan Thomas. Josh Pinard stepped up for a 38 and Monaco added a 39. Barron, with a 44, and Bruce Griffin, with a 47, were next in line.
For its home opener Thursday at Timber Banks, B’ville took on the Syracuse city squad and easily prevailed in a 202-244 decision.
Nizaimis led the way this time, his 37 nearly matching par on the tough Timber Banks layout as Rothenhoefer posted a 39. Monaco and Barron both finished at 41, ahead of Truman Strodel, who shot a 44.
