Boys golf saves best for last, makes sectional
Huntley boys golf coach Collin Kalamatas updated senior Taig Bhathal the importance of his Class 3A Dundee-Crown Regional final hole, the 18th at Randall Oaks Country Club.
“I told Bhathal what was at stake,” Kalamatas said.
Bhathal was up to the challenge at the IHSA Class 3A boys golf regional Oct. 2 with a par to finish with a 78 score, which teammate Austin Matich also contributed. The Red Raiders’ 319 score was two shots behind champion Crystal Lake Central and the Red Raiders move on to the Class 3A Jacons sectional Oct. 7.
Kalamatas described Bhathal’s finish at hole 18.
“The hole was playing down wind so we tried to play it safe and he hit a three-wood off the tee,” the coach said. “He pulled it a little bit and hit it into the bunker on the right side of the fairway. The second shot had about 140 yards. Bhathal just hit one out of the trap and safely into the fairway. The third shot had about 40 yards to the hole. He hit a great wedge shot to about 20 feet behind the hole.”
Even though Bhathal was in a good, spot, there was drama at the 18th as Barrett Rennell of Jacobs (who also made sectional as a team), had his putt just lip out for a miss.
“Bhathal went ahead and sank his fourth shot for par,” Kalamatas said.
Teammates also fared well. Nathan Haisch shot an 80; Carson Elder and Jack Policheri contributed 83s and Gray Birkmeier had an 86.
“Bhathal has been fantastic all year on the greens,” Kalamatas said. “Bhathal and Matich have been our leaders all year, but we also got big rounds from Haisch, Elder, Policheri and Birkmeier. It was amazing to see some of the shots our boys made the last few holes.”
“I just had to par out,” Bhathal said. “But the greens were crazy tough. It’s amazing we’re going to sectional.”
In addition to his clutch shots on the 18th hole, Bhathal notched an eagle at the ninth hole with a putt of about 30 feet.
One factor was the Red Raiders play at the 18-hole Algonquin course often. HHS has made the sectional round seven out of the last eight years.
“We did a good job.” Kalamatas said. “I am so proud of the guys. We have a long history of playing well here. The boys play in Illinois Junior PGA and the(Dundee-Crown) Charger Invite.”
Kalamatas praised the play of all contributors at regional.
“Haisch and Elder are both sophomores,” the coach said. “They came through in the clutch and had some big rounds (at regional). Both kids had their ups and downs this season, but that’s the game of golf. You can’t always expect to go out there and have your best rounds. They stuck with it and turned in some great rounds.”
“Policheri and Birkmeier are both juniors and have been solid all year,” Kalamatas said. “They are looking to step into some big roles next year when Bhathal graduates. For them to contribute the way they did at in a postseason round was very encouraging.”
