Connecticut and has verbally committed to Dartmouth in the fall of 2017 . The Big Green will be getting an outstanding golfer who is also an outstanding student and citizen .
Each of our seven players displayed maturity well beyond their years . The ever-smiling Andrew Franz and the always-focused Finn Boynton went about their business with professionalism on and off the golf course .
Arthur Ouimet , who is headed to Central Connecticut this fall to play for Coach Kyle Gallo was impressive in his analysis of the golf course , breaking it down hole by hole and preparing in a way typical of older , more experienced players .
We had a team meeting after the practice round , and reminded the players that with 36 holes scheduled for the next day we would need to be in bed early . That night around 10:00pm I walked around the hotel just to check on everyone . All quiet , no one misbehaving . Only one of our guys wasn ’ t in his room . Tim Rotermund was in the business office reading a thick textbook . Tim was missing his first two days of school to be with us , and he didn ’ t want to get behind in his studies .
The next day on the golf course I ran into UConn coach , Dave Pezzino . We were watching Connor Looney , the lefthander from Ridgefield . Pezzino nodded in Connor ’ s direction and said , “ I really like that kid !” and I said , “ Yup , there ’ s a lot to like about Connor Looney .”
The field , 42 of New England ’ s best juniors representing their respective states , is mostly comprised of 17-year-olds , with a few 16-year-olds occasionally in the mix . It makes sense . The best junior golfers are typically the oldest ones . The extra year of growing , both physically and mentally gives them an edge . It ’ s pretty rare when a good 15-year-old can compete with a top 17-year-old . Rarer still for a 14-year-old .
Connecticut ’ s best finisher in the 2016 New England Invitational , tied for 9th overall was 13-yearold Ben James .
This was Ben ’ s first trip from home without one of his parents accompanying him , and I was curious and probably a little wary wondering how he would fit in with the other , much older boys . There is such a huge difference between most 13-year-olds and most 17-year-olds , but the way all of them seemed to genuinely enjoy each other ’ s company was thoroughly refreshing .
Ben ’ s talent and enthusiasm for the game are unmistakable , and he remains remarkably composed , especially so given his age . There is something wonderful about a really nice boy who shows up wearing shorts with little sailboats on them who then goes out and shoots 71-70-72 and beats 3 / 4 of the field . He listens , speaks , laughs and is serious at all the right times , and when you look at his scorecard you can ’ t believe he ’ s only going into the 8th grade ! Meetings scheduled with a dozen candidates , and a 54-hole tournament some three hours away consume time , but it is precious time well spent . In the company of good people it passes too quickly , and these glimpses of the future that we get , whether in a country club boardroom or out on the golf course are reassuring that the future holds grand and joyful promise . Optimism is renewed . Thank you , my young friends .
Benjamin James
~ Photos by David Colt / NEGA Golf
www . csgalinks . org CSGA Links // September , 2016 | 5