Peterson, St. Viator thrive at Fremd Invite
Facing challenging competition seems to bring out the best in Erik Peterson.
Teeing off against a field of many of the better prep golfers in the state, the Fremd senior shot 72 to capture the Inverness Invitational for the second straight year.
It was deja vu all over again for St. Viator as well, as the Lions continued their hot streak by taking team honors with a 307 at Inverness Country Club in Palatine.
"There's no question that Erik is one of the best players in the area," said first-year Fremd coach Josh Teschner of Peterson, who even managed to improve over last year's winning score of 73.
The even-par finish was all the more remarkable considering Peterson started the day bogey-double bogey.
"I struggled to get back," said Peterson. "I was putting really well -- I had no 3-putts."
After a stellar 2006 season that included a Mid-Suburban League championship, Peterson worked hard to improve his game over the summer, playing in 15 tournaments, including some American Junior Golf Association events.
And playing in a invite at a difficult course like Inverness, against some of the same premier players he competes against over the summer, makes you "push a little harder" according to the senior.
"I know a lot of these guys," Peterson said. "You definitely try to one-up them if you can."
St. Viator sophomore sensation Brad Klune, only 1 shot behind at 73, agreed.
"It's a competitive field," said Klune, "so you know it's going to be a lot of fun. You know everyone's potential, and you know your own potential. You expect some low scores even though the course is tough."
The Lions finished 2 shots ahead of Glenbrook North. Fremd (310) and Hersey (312) finished third and fourth respectively.
"Besides the 'Den' (the state tournament course in Bloomington)," said St. Viator coach Jack Halpin, "this is probably the most difficult course these guys will play all year."
Ross Frankenberg of Barrington carded a 74, while another St. Viator sohpomore, Danny Stringfellow, shot 76.
Kyle Bahnick of Fremd finished at 76. Four Hersey golfers, Chris James, Jimmy Morrow, John McIlree and senior Mike Larson, shot 78.
"This course was playing tough," Larson said. "The greens were real fast."