As the golf season winds down, high school golf teams around Massachusetts are gearing up for a fast finish to the season. Over the next few weeks, teams will wrap up their regular season. Some will pack up their clubs and prepare for winter activities, while teams that have captured at least 50 percent of the available points in all their matches will advance to the sectional championships in hopes of grabbing a spot in the state championship.
The format for the sectionals and state championship is different from what most of the golf teams play during the season.
Instead of playing nine holes, teams will play 18 holes. Each will bring six players, and four of the scores will count toward the total. This different format can take a team with a solid record in head-to-head, nine-hole matches and make them less potent in an 18-hole stroke play tournament.
It always seems that successful teams end up having a player on the back end of the depth chart battle through a tough stretch in a round, turn things around and finish with a score that helps a team reach the state championship or even win it.
Division 2 dates:
- Regional championships - Tuesday, Oct. 24 (various sites)
- State championship - Monday, Oct. 30 (Thorny Lea)
Division 3 dates:
- Regional championships - Oct. 23 (various sites)
- State championship - Oct. 31 (site: TBA)
Let’s take a look at some of the teams that seem poised to contend in their division for a state championship.