Boys golf: Barrington's in the hunt downstate

Barrington's golfers didn't let the fox trap catch them.

The Broncos teed off Friday morning at the Class 3A state finals at the Den course at Fox Creek in Bloomington, where holes 5 through 7 are called the "fox trap" due to their extreme degree of difficulty.

And although Barrington didn't exactly tame the course, they performed well enough to stand in third place after the first day of the tournament at the Arnold Palmer-designed links.

The Broncos, led by junior Burke Barsamian's 3-over par 75, shot 310 and trail leader Hinsdale Central (300) by 10 strokes heading into Saturday's final round.

Yet despite the stellar marks, Barrington sophomore Tom Calbi said his team has yet to play its best golf.

"We're happy with our scores," said Calbi, who carded a 77, "but we really didn't play up to our expectations. Tomorrow we've got to go out and play smart, relax and have a good time.

"This is our last tournament of the season, so we've got nothing to lose. We want to go out and do well for our seniors."

New Trier (303) is in second place in the team race, while senior Orion Yamat of Maine East shot even par 72 to take a 1-stroke lead in the individual medalist competition, 1 stroke better than Justin Choi of the Trevians and Kenneth Li from Central.

"I'll take it," said Barrington coach Mike Kallenbach of the Broncos 310, "especially considering these tough conditions. The temps had to be in the low 50's and the wind was howling."

Barsamian's stellar day included a 6 at hole No. 5, considered by many to be the most challenging hole on the course and one that handcuffed many of the days competitors.

The junior , who is tied for eighth place overall, said that his most important hole of the day was the par-4 11th where he recorded a birdie

"It (No. 11) was the only hole of the day where I didn't take the driver out of my bag," said Barsamian. "I wound up hitting a rescue, then a pitching wedge to within four and half feet from the hole. Honestly that was a big momentum-changer for me, and if I hadn't got that birdie, I don't know that I would have finished the way I did."

"Burke was outstanding," said Kallenbach of Barsamian, who played the back nine in even-par 36 despite the cold wind which was blowing right into the golfers faces much of the afternoon. "He was hitting the ball great. I think when all is said and done he's going to finish in the top five, or at the very least the top 10."

Several local golfers competed Friday as individuals included St. Viator senior Nick Carlson, who birdied 7, 14 and 15 en route to an 84.

Propsect's Grant Gavin birdied the second hole, while Knights senior Robert Garmoe had two birds, on holes 11 and 15.

For the Broncos, who have a realistic shot at a state title if they can put it all together today, sophomore Timothy Lim continued his recent string of successes.

Lim was second best at last Monday's Lake Forest regional with a 72, and that trend continued at the Den when he fired a 77 to match his classmate Calbi.

"Everyone is a lot more focused down here," said Lim of the Broncos' trip to the state tournament.

Lim posted an 8 on the notorious hole No. 5, but bounced right back with birdies on the next two holes.

"That helped me regain my momentum," said Lim. "I got into a little trouble (on 5) and went into the water."

Junior Cole Kempinski, teeing off in the first group, led off with four straight pars en route to a consistent 81 to help the Broncos score.

Senior Kevin Altenberger also was outstanding, recording a two-over 38 on the front nine at Fox Creek, the most difficult part of the course, including a birdie on No. 7.

Now the Broncos head to the tee this morning with their sights set on catching Hinsdale Central and New Trier.

"We've got to just go out (Saturday) and play golf the way we know how to play," said Barsamian, "keep the momentum going, and stay in the moment."