1 week Ago
Not many golfers can say their first 18-hole tournament victory came by winning a county championship. Hammonton senior Matthew Smith , a DeSales University (PA) commit, now has that distinction. 4/8 - 9:00 AM Boys Golf Final Mainland 325 Egg Harbor 344 Smith parred his last hole to secure individual medalist honors to become the first Atlantic County champion at the inaugural Atlantic County Championships at McCulloughs Emerald Golf Links in Egg Harbor Township on Tuesday.
Smith parred the par-4, 422-yard seventh hole (his last) to win by one stroke, with a 7-over 78, over Mainland junior Keller Tannehill and by two strokes over Egg Harbor Township sophomore Dylan Hawkins. Matthew Smith of Hammonton tees off during the 20th Garden State Cup at Ron Jaworski's Blue Heron Pines Golf Club in Galloway, NJ on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance Egg Harbor senior Chase Adomaitis and Mainland senior Vaughn Soltys tied for fourth at 10-over 81 to round out the top five.
“The conditions were really tough and played a big factor in scoring. Each shot was affected by the wind so that had to be taken into consideration,” Smith said. “I did make par on my last hole after getting up and down from missing the green on my second shot.
That par did make the difference for the win. This win definitely gives me confidence going forward and shows that I can compete with the top golfers that are in the state.” Nathan Goblirsch of Hammonton tees off at McCullough's Emerald Golf Links in Egg Harbor, NJ on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance Mainland, No. 3 in the NJ.com Top 20, shot 325, 19 strokes better than host Egg Harbor Township (344) to take home the team title.
The Mustangs played in their third tournament of the young season, having previously finished second in the Wildcat Invitational (March 31) and third in the Garden State Cup (April 2). Senior Vaughn Soltys (10-over 81) finished in a two-way tie for fourth, senior Luke Tappeiner (11-over 82) finished sixth, junior Daniel Herzchel (12-over 83) placed seventh and junior Trevor Hackett (16-over 87) tied for 10th to contribute to the team win. Trevor Hackett of Mainland putts at McCullough's Emerald Golf Links in Egg Harbor, NJ on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance “With today’s blustery conditions, I applaud all golfers for staying mentally tough and grinding throughout the day,” Mainland coach Andre’ Clements said. “For our golfers as well, it is a testament to their work ethic, commitment, approach and team mindset to appreciate each opportunity that we are given on a daily basis, and to make the most of those opportunities.” “It still feels as though it is early in the season, although we do have some matches and a few tournaments under our belt.
We are focused on the day-to-day operations, cleaning up what we can to put ourselves in the best position possible, have healthy competition within one another, support one another, and taking advantage of days where we can get extra work in to improve in all areas.” The N.J.
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