CAMAS – One of the first drives in Monday’s high school boys golf match between Union and Ridgefield was pulled into the trees on the left side of the first fairway at Camas Meadows.
“Thwack!” The ball rebounded off a tree trunk and bounced back into the fairway.
“That’s the luckiest thing I’ve ever seen,” said another golfer.
In the next group, another drive was pulled into the trees.
“Thwack!” That ball also bounced back into the fairway.
“I guess the trees don’t want any balls today,” Union coach Gary Mills said.
Even the trees knew it was the first prep event of the 2022-23 high school sports year.
Eventually, the trees would claim their share of balls, but there were also some good shots.
“It’s kind of what you would expect when you play your first match after just four practices,” Mills said. “You get to see what you need to work on. But mostly, it’s a chance to get the nerves out.”
Unlike other fall prep sports, golfers are not required to get in a minimum of 10 practices before their first competition of the season.
And with the fall golf season that is so short – play generally ends by mid-October before the weather turns – several teams are jumping at the chance to start the season this week.
“We’ve got 24 golfers out this year,” Ridgefield coach Bob Ball said. “Our biggest challenge is trying to get everyone a chance to play.”
Union came away with the victory Monday 178-197 with Laredo Maldonado (6-over 42) and Mason Bluestein (43) leading the way.
The prep football season kicks off with games Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There are also several girls soccer matches on Saturday.
The bulk of the prep sports season opens next week.
