Golf

The Gill St. Bernard’s golf team ended on a high last season, capturing the first-ever Somerset County Championship and finishing the shortened season 11-3. While five members of that eight-person championship squad have graduated, GSB’s young team finds itself in a different position at the start of 2022.

“This year will be about growth,” said Head Coach Keith James, who is returning for his second season. “Replacing that level of talent will be my main objective for this season and for the overall future of the golf program.”

Returning varsity lettermen poised to lead the Knights are sophomore Lance Hollingshead and juniors Evan Wortman and Austin Carey. Lance was last season’s most outstanding player who, as a freshman, won the Non-Public Group B Individual Golf State Championship and was elected to the New Jersey Third Team All-State roster.

“For these reasons and many others, Lance was asked to be this year’s team captain,” said Coach James. “He will be involved in guiding the newest team members as well as the returnees.”

The team will promote several JV players to varsity this season, including juniors Matt Lardieri and Ryan Smith and sophomore Blaine Johnson.

“Although golf is mainly an individual sport, we work together to achieve our goals as a team,” said Coach James. “All returning players and any new players trying out for the team will be asked to be committed to that philosophy.”

Overall, the Knights golf program has claimed six Skyland Conference Division titles since 2009. With commitment of its talented players, the golf program is primed to climb to the top once again.