Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things

With fall around the corner, the Lincoln-Sudbury golf team is ready to hit the links for another season.

After posting a .500 record last year in what senior Jake Earle called a "rebuilding year," the Warriors are looking to go much further than last year.

"I think we have a good chance at the DCL (Dual County League) title," Earle said.

While much of the team remains intact from last year, the Warriors did lose some key players. However, returning players are bringing much more to the table this season.

"We graduated three kids — two starters — but a lot of the young kids came back a lot better," Earle said.

The Warriors began their season on Tuesday by hosting the Acton-Boxborough Colonials at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord. It was a close match the entire time with the Colonials edging out the Warriors 95-94 on the back nine, which featured some challenging holes.

"Hole eight is a tough hole. Par three, over the water, it was difficult, especially from the back," said Colonials senior and captain Kevin Lafrancis. "I just took it one hole at a time. Just try to make par on every hole."

Easier said than done, especially on a day where the wind played a big factor. But as much trouble as the wind can cause, it can also help, especially on the fifth hole for Lafrancis, who hit a 305-yard drive.

"I hit it really nice, and I had a very generous wind," said Lafrancis, who changed his approach to deal with the erratic wind. "I had to take more club. I had to carry more because the wind was going to knock it down a little bit."

While play was close the entire match, the difference may have been on the ninth hole when Earle received a one stroke penalty on an all-around difficult hole.

"I hit one in the water, and that's tough to recover from," said Earle, of the final hole of the match.

Earle said his driving is one part of his game that he would like to improve this season, but is confident in his short game, which showed in today's match.

"I think my short game saved me a couple times today, with chips and putts," said Earle.

The Warriors will get a chance to return the favor to the Colonials on their home turf on Oct. 4.

The Colonials next match is at home against Weston High School on Wednesday.