John Jay Golfers are Back in the Swing

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The golf season is under way and before John Jay took on Yorktown at Waccabuc Country Club on Thursday April 24, Coach Artie Blank praised the even keel of his team. “They don’t get too high and don’t get too low,” he said, and that correlates to the roll the team is on.

After losing the first match, the Wolves have won four in a row.

The success definitely leaves Wally Ryder in the right place. “I like to win,” said the junior.

A newcomer to the team, he’s no stranger to the game. He’s long played at Centennial Golf Club. But the golfer decided to join to be part of “a competitive mindset,” and the success the Wolves have achieved. “I’m a big fan of this program,” he said.

So the team has definitely returned the favor. “It’s very exciting to win (as a team),” said Ryder. “Everyone gets amped up.”

He does his biggest part for John Jay on arrival. “The approach shot is my strength,” said the golfer. “I love chasing it.”

Setting down, he got his sights set on a final four appearance in the sectionals for the Wolves. “I’ve heard a lot of stories and would be excited to experience it.”

A 44 average, he hopes his strokes can help make a difference. Connor Kelley, on the other hand, makes a point of not knowing his average. “Maybe it would get in my head,” the senior revealed.

However, he does know his scores have gone down the last few matches, and no matter the circumstance, Kelley brings the same mindset whenever he steps up to the plate. “You need to block all those thoughts out,” he said, “just play golf and walk up there.”

As for his favorite part of playing, he lets the big dog do the talking. “It’s hard to beat when you crush a drive,” said Kelley.

Abby Armour likes to swing away too. “I keep my head down and make contact,” she said.

Closer in, she’s a little light on the short end. “My putting isn’t the best, but it’s getting better,” said the senior.

The lone member of the girls team, she seemed pretty comfortable among all the boys, and win or lose, the Wolf casts no shade. “I like when it’s hot,” she joked. “I can get a tan while I play.”

A pretty good day for it, Charlie Sanz doesn’t overlook the elements either. “I like just going out in this beautiful weather, playing with friends and having a fun time,” said the junior.

Still, he isn’t always able to stay above the drama that a bad sequence can create. “Sometimes, it gets the better of me,” he admitted.

Of course, it helps that his strength is what gives most golfers fits. “I’m very good around the green,” he said, “my chips shots are pretty good.”

John Becker also plays short. Putting is his strength and home court advantage is his secret. “I have a putting mat in my basement,” he said.

As for the show part of the game, he admits a shortfall. “My drive, it’s not where I want it to be,” said Becker.

But overcompensating is not the answer. “Not swinging 100 percent, I just try to hit the fairway,” he said.

A place that James Strauss likes to be on the run up. “The approach is the best part of my game,” said the sophomore.

So a good drive helps. But the tee up doesn’t always comply. “I’ve been streaky,” he conceded. “When it’s good, it’s really good, and when it’s bad, it can really hurt me.”

Even so, Strauss does not dwell. “I just focus on the next shot,” he assured.

The seamlessness does leave him alone, according to Blank. “They are a resilient group,” the coach concluded.