In an exciting weekend of golf, the Princeton men’s team attempted to become repeat Ivy League Champions at the Watchung Valley Golf Club in Watching, New Jersey. Yet after a back-and-forth battle, the Tigers fell just short, settling for second place behind the Yale Bulldogs.
After leading the weekend throughout rounds one and two of competition, harsh weather conditions coupled with a difficult course left the Tigers attempting to come back from behind in round three. Although they showcased their determination and talent, they ended the day with an overall team score of 846 (-6), three shots behind the Bulldogs.
“The course was playing pretty tricky,” sophomore Riccardo Fantinelli told The Daily Princetonian.
Former Ivy League Rookie of the Year, Fantinelli paced the Tigers in round three with an impressive score of 68 (-3). His performance on Sunday placed him fifth overall in the tournament. Playing consistently throughout the weekend, Fantinelli maintained position in the top six throughout the entire tournament, and in doing so kept the Tigers in contention for the overall title.
“We definitely played well. We just got beat,” remarked Fantinelli. “It happens though,” he added.
Junior William Huang was a standout, placing second overall in the tournament. He recorded a score of 205 (-8) and was one shot behind Yale’s Ben Carpenter, who took the individualist honor this weekend. Huang played under par in every round this weekend, and did not waver from the top two throughout the entire tournament.
The other three Princeton golfers all placed within the top 20 this weekend. First-year Tommy Frist placed just out of the top 10 by playing a 217 (+4). Senior Jackson Fretty and first-year Charlie Palmer were not too far behind either, respectively placing 16th and 18th.
After round one, Princeton held a 4-stroke lead over Yale and Columbia. Huang posted a 68 (-3) and stood in second while Fantinelli continued his hot streak and stood sixth with a score of 70 (-1). Frist was also in the top 10 after round one with a respectable 71 (E). Fretty and Palmer both were tied 16th after round one with a 73 (+2).
Moving into round two, the Tigers continued their dominant performance maintaining a 5-shot lead over second-place Yale. After being neck-and-neck for much of the afternoon, the Tigers broke the deadlock and posted four birdies in the final two holes. Huang paced the group by posting another 68 (-3) and was one stroke above Yale’s Ben Carpenter. Fantinelli moved into the top five and Fretty and Palmer vaulted into the top ten after both posting a 71 (E). Frist cooled off and scored a 75 (+4) putting him at 15th place.
Looking to seal the deal in round three, the Tigers planned to come out swinging. However, Sunday's round was the worst of the three Princeton played over the entire weekend. Shooting a 283 (-1) as a team, they were not able to overcome a hot streak initiated by Yale.
The Tigers fell behind early to the Bulldogs in the two-team race that was unfolding. However, a birdie from Huang on the 15th and from Fantinelli on the 17th cut Yale’s lead, and left the score a tie. The score remained a tie until the final hole, when an eagle and a birdie from the Bulldogs coupled with a bogey from the Tigers ended any hopes of being repeat Ivy League Champions. All four of the Yale golfers finished under par as they recorded a 275 (-9) score for round three.
Despite the unfortunate outcome, the Tigers reflected proudly on a successful season.
“We had a great year. We had a great team. We’re heading in the right direction for the next couple years.” Palmer told the ‘Prince.’ Palmer will look to continue his success and improve his game as he enters his sophomore year.
Fantinelli echoed his sentiment, leading the team in round three posting a 68 (-3) while emphasizing his excitement to work hard for next season.
“We’ll be back,” he assured.
Despite falling just short in the Championships, Princeton will look to come back even stronger in 2024. Returning four of their five top players, the Tigers will look for vengeance and to hoist the William J. Miller trophy next season.
Matthew Yi is a Sports contributor for the ‘Prince.’
Please direct any corrections requests to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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