Rob Fucci
Jeff Shea has seen his fair share of winning seasons during his 20-year stint coaching the Belmont golf team.
The pinnacle was from 2013 to 2019, the period when the Marauders captured the Middlesex League title five times and earned a postseason berth for 10 consecutive seasons.
“I want to get back to winning league titles,” Shea said, whose team finished with an impressive 10-2 record last year after moving to Division 1. “The real goal is, can we qualify for the state finals?”
To qualify, Belmont must find a way to replace top player Ryan Nortz, as well as Matt and Mike Pomer, all of whom graduated last year.
“They’re good kids, good senior leaders,” Shea said. “We’ll certainly miss those three guys. Someone else will have to step into that spot and play number one. But we’re a deeper team this year. There’s a lot of young talent.”
According to Shea, filling that top spot will likely fall on the shoulders of junior Rohen McKenzie, who played number two last year and plays between 5 and 10 handicap. Shea said McKenzie is one of five or six Marauders who can break 80 over 18 holes and the player with the most playoff experience.
Others playing pivotal roles this season include junior Mitchel Woo and seniors David Kioumejian and Zach Kefeyan.
Diamond in the Rough
Shea said if there’s one player to keep a keen eye on, it’s freshman Sophea Samir.
“Sophea is a long hitter,” Shea said. “I’m excited to see what she can do.”
Samir’s sister, Saira, could also see time once she’s done nursing a rugby injury.
“She played for us last year,” Shea said. “I’m hopeful to have her come back and practice in October. It’s always great to have a couple of girls on the team. We’ve had a long stretch with girls on the team.”
Home Course
The Marauders will once again play their home matches at Belmont Country Club.
All matches will occur on the front nine, which plays to a par 36. There are two par 3s (third and fifth holes) and two par 5s (fourth and ninth holes).
All teams will use match play format during the regular season, where every hole counts for one point.
To earn a state tournament berth, all teams must have at least a .500 record.
Schedule
- Tuesday, Sept. 17, 3:30 p.m. Burlington @ Belmont CC
- Wednesday, Sept. 18, 3:30 p.m. Wilmington @ Belmont CC
- Tuesday, Sept. 24, 3:30 p.m. Andover @ Belmont CC
- Wednesday, Sept. 25, 3:30 p.m. Reading @ Belmont CC
- Tuesday, Oct. 1, 3:30 p.m. Arlington @ Belmont CC
- Thursday, Oct. 3, 3 p.m. Arlington Catholic @ Winchester CC
- Monday, Oct. 7, 3:45 p.m. Stoneham @ Bear Hill GC
- Wednesday, Oct. 9, 3:30 p.m. Lexington @ Lexington GC
