In the midst of what has already been a successful season for Mike McIntosh and his fellow members of the Chittenango boys golf team, a milestone was reached.
McIntosh delivered the most memorable shot of the season, a hole-in-one, as the Bears defeated Cortland 206-213 Monday afternoon at Rogues Roost’s West course.
This was against the same Purple Tigers side Chittenango had lost to four days earlier, on Sept. 13, in a 215-223 decision at Meadowbrook, so there was motivation enough to perform well.
But McIntosh saved his best moment for the par-three 2nd hole at Rogues Roost West. Using a wedge on the tee from 135 yards out, McIntosh rammed it into the hole, the ace propelling him to a round of 36, one over par.
Sean Murray, without an ace, still shot a 39 for the Bears, the same as Cortland’s top player, Matt Condit. Erik Russell, with a 40, helped Chittenango develop a cushion as Kyler Christopher got a 42 and Kyle McGinnis added a 45.
A week earlier, at Vesper Hills, the Bears did not have the strongest of outings against host Tully, but still beat the Black Knights 211-224.
Murray shot a 40, two shots behind Tully’s Josh Goddard for low individual honors. However, Murray’s teammates were right behind him as McIntosh posted a 41, Russell finished with a 42 and McGinnis finished with a 43.
Chittenango’s team total improved a day later, when it beat LaFayette 202-237 at Orchard Valley. McIntosh led the Bears this time, posting a 38, while Russell claimed a 39 and Murray shot his second consecutive 40. McGinnis had another 43 as Christopher did one better with a 42.
The Bears’ win streak ended in the first of two meetings at Cortland. McIntosh shot the low individual round of 39, two better than Murray, but McGinnis (47), Russell and Ryan Delaney (48 each) trailed all five of the Purple Tigers’ top players, led by Mike Timmerman, who had a 40.
Then it was off to Beaver Meadows, where Chittenango faced Phoenix last Friday and returned to winning form, getting past the Firebirds 220-235. Murray, with a 38, was the only player on either side to break 40, with McGinnis landing on that number.
McIntosh posted a 41 against Phoenix, but would improve on that number in a very memorable way in the rematch against Cortland.
