Haverford School survives challenge to sweep Inter-Ac opener

   After going a perfect 30-0 through the six mini-tournaments that make up the Inter-Ac League’s regular season a year ago, The Haverford School nearly suffered its first loss in this fall’s opening event as the Fords survived a stiff challenge from host Episcopal Academy and Malvern Prep at Merion Golf Club’s West Course Tuesday.

   But once again, Haverford School’s incredible depth enabled the Fords to post a 231 total, three shots clear of runnersup Episcopal and Malvern Prep and go 5-0 for the day.

   Haverford School got 38s from Jake Van Arkel, Jay Lostey and Otis Baker and 39s from reigning Daily Times Player of the Year Cole Berman, Ryan Bowman and Jack McAleese in fashioning the 231 total.

   Episcopal was led by Trey Croney and Jack Cassidy, both of whom had 37s. Also counting for the Churchmen were Joe Chambers (38), Chris Marino (40), Chris McConnell (41) and Cole Testaiuti (41). Malvern Prep was led by Brandon Bacskai, who had a 37. Michael Davis, the Newtown Square resident and Aronimink Golf Club member, was one of three Friars to post a 39.

   Co-medalists overall for the day were Chestnut Hill Academy’s Jack Grasso and Penn Charter’s Owen Davis, both of whom carded a 36.

   Haverford School, Episcopal and Radnor – probably Delco’s three best boys teams – met in a tri-match at Merion West last week and a source tells me the Fords beat the Churchmen and the Raiders. I don’t have the details on this golf summit meeting at this time.

Jones, Nilon take the Challenge at Bala

   At the end of a long, hot day at Bala Golf Club Wednesday, the duo of Buck Jones of the Philadelphia Publinks Golf Association and Mike Nilon of Philadelphia Country Club parred the first hold of a sudden-death playoff to capture the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s Senior 27-Hole Challenge.

   Jones and Nilon finished in a tie with the Merion Golf Club pair of J. Kirk Luntley and Arthur Kania Jr. at the end of the unique 27-hole format at 140. The teams played the first nine hole as a better-ball format, the second nine as select drive, alternate shot, and the last nine as aggregate of both players.

   A strong 31 in the better-ball portion was the key for Jones and Nilon and their final-nine aggregate of 74 left them tied with Luntley and Kania. The Merion duo was also strong in the better-ball nine with a 30, but struggled home with a 76 in the aggregate final nine as Kania’s shoulder started to act up on him.

   The playoff was a select drive, alternate shot and Luntley bunkered the approach to the 336-yard, par-4 first hole. Luntely and Kania were unable to get it up and down out the bunker while Jones and Nilon were able to two-putt for two after hitting the green with Jones’ wedge from 97 yards away.

Gary Ames of the host club and Steve Yassky of Edgmont Country Club finished third at 141, The Springhaven Club duo of Rich Thon and Andrew Harmer finished fourth at 143 and Martin Klagholz of Aronimink Golf Club and Mark Szilagyi of Brookside Country Club finished fifth at 145.

   In the Super-Senior division, Frank Polizzi of Aronimink and Carl Everett of Merion finished second at 134, three shots back of top finishers Charles McClaskey of Back Creek Golf Club and Michael Rose of Talamore Country Club. Norman Jester of Downingtown Country Club teamed with his Springhaven buddy, Curt Fromal, to finish eighth at 146.