TAYLOR MADE: COVID-19 DESERVES A PENALTY STROKE (2020-04-08)

Despite the coronavirus concerns, numerous golf courses are still open for play, with several restrictions in place. Unfortunately for the high school players, school closures prohibits them from competing.

It's sad, because there were several very talented players on the Tioga County teams. If Covid-19 followed golf rules, this annoyance which has stolen our "normal routines" deserves a penalty stroke, maybe two or three.

Unfortunately, spring practices were just ramping up when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, so I didn't have any rosters or visits to the teams to work with. What I do know is there were a lot of young players on the links during the 2019 season. So, if there is a bright spot in this mess it would be that the majority of these kids will have a chance to compete in 2021.

In keeping with my plan to give a little bit of recognition to the seniors, here is a look at some of those competitors who are missing out on their final season on the scholastic links.

BOYS GOLF
I don't think anyone can argue that the top boys golfer in Tioga County this spring is Sam Taylor. The Tioga standout is clearly a top challenger for the nine-player state team. He's been to states three times and last year missed a fourth trip after dropping a three-hole playoff.

The Tigers' Jake Maciak was looking to have a strong final season, as was Newark Valley's Matt Waterman.

Another senior who would be looking at qualifying for states is Owego's Brendan Evans. He played his final season on the high school links this past fall, but played well enough to come back for the state qualifier.

Newark Valley had three players from last season who would be seniors this year. They are Jason Brown, Matt Waterman and Tucker Pettit.

Luke Benjamin is the lone S-VE senior on the SVEC team and first-year coach Joe Darrow feels he could have been a player the younger kids would look up to.

GIRLS GOLF
Waverly would be shooting for its fifth consecutive Section IV team title while trying to extend its dual match win streak, which currently stands at 118.

The Wolverines graduated six-time state qualifier Alex Tomasso, who moved on to the NCAA Division I ranks. Also gone is Lauren Newman. Three of their top returnees, including senior Gianna Picco, were going to compete in other sports this spring.

Newark Valley graduated its two seniors and had no juniors on last year's roster, and S-VE's squad was youthful as well.