Boardway shows the way

With one group still on the course Wednesday, the Lakes boys were in a lot of trouble against Grayslake North at Renwood Golf Course.

Fortunately for the Eagles, Tyler Boardway came through with a match-changing performance. Boardway posted a 4-over-par 40, good for medalist honors by 2 strokes, and for good measure D.J. Snelton added a 43.

Suddenly, what looked like a loss, was transformed into a victory. Lakes (173) improved to 5-1 with a six-stroke victory over the Knights (179). Grayslake North dropped to 2-9.

Boardway's 40 was keyed by the work he did with the flat stick. Even though there was not time before the round to hit any practice putts, Boardway seemed to make everything he looked at. He one-putted the first five greens, highlighted by a birdie at the par-5 fourth hole.

"I just had a rhythm on the greens," he said.

Boardway said he enjoys playing lower in the Lakes lineup.

"I like that spot because it takes a lot of the pressure off," he said. "It helps me relax."

In addition to Boardway and Snelton, the Eagles counted scores from Colin Drayton (44) and Craig Franke (46).

Lakes coach Bill Hamill thought most of his team played flat. The Eagles play arch-rival Antioch today.

"I know they'll be fired up for Antioch," he said. "I want them to have that same drive and desire each round."

Sophomore Sean Humphrey and senior Ryan O'Malley had matching 42s for Grayslake North.

Humphrey, though, will remember this round for what might have been. He began play with a birdie at the par-4 first. After a par at No. 2, he chipped in for birdie at the 354-yard third hole.

"I chipped it on and let it roll," Humphrey said. "It looked good all the way."

As he walked down the fourth fairway, Humphrey told his teammates about his score.

"I think I jinxed myself," he said.

Humphrey, who has been golfing for only about two years, played his final six holes in 8-over-par.

"Being under par was nice, but staying there is the hard part," he said.

Humphrey finished his round with 15 putts. He played the first three holes five strokes better than the day before.

Teammates Matt Romac and Tim Elias had 46 and 49, respectively.

O'Malley, who advanced to sectional play as a junior, was unable to capitalize on his opportunities.

"I had 20 putts, and I hit a couple of stray wedge shots," he said.

For the most part, O'Malley has been pleased with his senior season.

"I haven't had a blow-up round or a breakout round yet," he said. "I've been pretty consistent."

-- Bob Gosman

Alsup's all better:ŒRolling Meadows junior Dan Alsup was a bit disappointed last week when the Mustangs faced rivals Barrington and Hersey in a Mid-Suburban League boys golf triangular.

The meet was a matchup of last year's top three MSL teams. Unfortunately for Alsup, he had a touch of flu, playing Makray Memorial Golf Course at less than his best.

"It was his first match of the season," said Meadows coach Todd Schaap. "We were looking for him to recharge our team. He was sick as a dog, but he still told me, 'coach, I want to play.'"

Alsup was feeling much better Wednesday afternoon, and it showed in his performance as the junior took honors by shooting a 36 as Meadows (152) defeated Wheeling (157) and Palatine (159) at Arlington Lakes Golf Club.

Alsup's 2-over par at Arlington's short but exacting front-9 included a birdie at the par-3 fifth.

"I felt good today -- I felt fresh," said Alsup.

"He came back strong," added Schaap, who earlier in the year said Alsup had the talent to be one of the state's top golfers.

"He's got ice water in his veins," said Schaap. "He's got the ability to shake off bad shots, and not react to good shots."

Wheeling's Randy Glover was just 1 stroke behind. The junior carded a 37 at the 2,661-yard layout.

"This is a shorter course," Glover said, "but it's tight, and you hit irons off the tee. You usually wind up not using your woods at all."

"But as you can see," said Glover, pointing to the ninth hole, "the greens are heavily guarded. There are traps all over the place."

"This is a tight course," agreed Palatine's Josh Cho, who was best for Palatine with 38. "I stopped using my driver after two holes."

Cho has been playing very well since the 18-hole Inverness Invitational on Sept. 4. The junior shot 79 at Inverness, just missing a medal.

Ryan Ferris finished with 39 for the Pirates and teammate Derek Theilsen shot 40.

Kevin Taylor carded a 38 for Wheeling. Steve Benko (37), Joe Ignolia (39) and Chris Olson (40) completed the winning scoring for the host Mustangs.

"We lost a couple of good players (grads Ryan Reents and Tom Behof) from last year's (MSL championship) team," said Benko, "but we've got a good mindset this year. We've got some guys who can get the job done."

-- Bill Esbrook