WW South’s Kelly fires 69 at Chevy Chase
Two weeks ago, Wheaton Warrenville South golfer Tee-K Kelly signed to play next year at Ohio State.
Saturday, the senior celebrated by firing a 69 to win medalist honors at the Wheeling Invitational at Chevy Chase Country Club.
After doubling the first hole, Kelly played a cool 4-under par the rest of the way.
“I was putting better today than I have all year long,” said the senior, who made an “easy choice” by committing to become a Buckeye and play for head coach Donnie Darr.
Darr, a Kent State grad, took the helm at Ohio State in 2009 and led the Buckeyes to an NCAA tournament appearance in only his second season.
“I was very impressed with Mr. Darr,” said Kelly, who also said he’s still undecided about his major course of study in college. “When I visited the campus all the players I spoke to really respected him, and he seemed like the kind of coach I’d love to play for.”
Defending 3A state champion Lake Forest won the team title with a score of 301, while Mid-Suburban League rivals Barrington and Prospect continued their spectacular seasons at the invite that traditionally attracts some of the top teams and players in the state.
Barrington (311) finished second in the 26-team field as JP Talbot (72, second individually) and Greg Conrad (73, fourth) medaled, while the Knights (315) were third in the team race and were led by Ryan Maloney’s 76.
Addison Trail senior Jimmy Jaskoske carded a 73 in the extremely windy conditions at Chevy Chase to claim third place.
“I hit a lot of 3-irons off the tee today,” said Jskoske. “This is a tight course and I knew I had to keep the ball low.”
Tim Orlowski led Saint Viator (317) to an impressive fourth-place finish. The senior, who shot 74 to win the seventh place individual medal, said his ability to handle the weather played a big factor in his stellar performance.
“I had to club up and club down (due to the wind) several times today,” said Orlowski.
Jack Ferguson of the host Wildcats excelled with a 75 to finish eighth, while Stevenson’s Nick Geissler posted a 77.
Prospect’s Ryan Kowalski shot 78 to help his team’s runner-up finish, with Sean Lechner of St. Charles East and Dan Shepherd from St. Charles North also carding 78s.
John Carroll of the North Stars claimed the final medal with an outstanding 76, a score that was even more remarkable considering he suffered through a quadruple bogey on his 13th hole (No. 18 at Chevy Chase as the golfers played a shotgun start.)
The senior played even-par on the remaining 17 holes.
“It could have been better,” said Carroll, “but I’m not disappointed with a 76 at all.”