Golf is a difficult game in itself but it may be ten times more difficult when the weather calls for snow with temperatures in the upper thirties, and you have to play a round of nine.
This has been the forecast for some of the days during the current high school golf season.
‘It has been raining quite a bit this spring, the rain mixed with the cold weather causes the ball to not travel as far,? said Junior Jimmy Delnick, adding some days on the course this season the winds have reached speeds up to 40 miles per hour.
Delnick, who is operating in his third year with the varsity team, is also a veteran on the squad and is beginning to take some of the leadership roles for the team.
He has set high expectations for this season stating he hopes his team can qualify for the state tournament, and he himself will finish as one of the top 15-20 individuals in the state.
The younger, but still somewhat experienced Wolves, will have to bring their top game in the weeks to come after they didn’t end up getting the start that they wanted.
‘The weather has been a factor for everyone. It was snowing at our tournament at Indianwood Country Club (Lake Orion),? said Delnick.
‘It doesn’t matter who you are, you will have a tough time playing in this weather. Personally I have not been playing up to my stature, I need to pick up my game in the coming matches.?
Junior Dan Corazza, who is in his first year with the varsity squad, improved his game greatly over the summer and winter and has evolved into one of the team’s best golfers.
Corazza has finished steadily in the low 40s all season including a 41 against Rochester Adams last week. Also the team medalist at the Indianwood tournament, Corazza should be a key component to the team’s hopeful success.
‘I hope to have a big year and keep my scores low throughout the year. Our team has a lot of talent. Hopefully we can use that talent to our advantage,? said Corazza.
The boys will have a few tough opponents ahead of them if they plan to make it farther in the season like planned.
Top teams in the area include: Brother Rice, Detroit Catholic Central, Grand Blanc, Northville, and OAA opponent, Adams, who beat the Wolves by four slim strokes last week.
Delnick, who has been playing golf his entire life, has made golf a priority. He definitely plans on playing college golf, but is unsure of where.
Delnick is considered one of the best and most steady shooters on the varsity team.
Good putting and keeping the ball in play are two things Delnick said needed to execute in order to have a good round.
Corazza added, ‘you must relax mentally and finish your entire round.?
‘I really enjoy the competitive atmosphere of golf. The pressure put on you to execute every shot perfectly is thrilling to me. It can be such an ‘in the moment? sport,? Delnick stated.
Corazza is also a life-long golf lover.
‘I enjoy the scenery and the serenity of the sport. There probably isn’t any better feeling then hitting a nice shot on the golf course,? said Corazza.
The team consists of seniors, Chad Wotton and Ryan Milliken; juniors, Jimmy Delnick, Dan Corazza, Andrew Lange, Mac McClelland, and the lone sophomore, Jack ‘JD? Alli.
They are coached by Pete Gallagher. Gallagher is a gym teacher at Clarkston High school and is also the offensive backs coach for Clarkston Varsity Football.
The boys next home match is next Tuesday against Rochester at Oakhurst Country Club.