Thayer golf team wins Hendricken Invitational

On a beautiful day for golf but with challenging course conditions, Thayer Academy’s varsity golf team won the Bishop Hendricken Invitational Tournament May 8 at Warwick Country Club in Rhode Island. 

While the sun shone that day and the temperature settled in at a comfortable 70 degrees, wind gusts of 20+ miles per hour disrupted many shots, and the greens rolled at a lightning-fast 12. It was a beautiful course but one where small mistakes could lead to disastrous outcomes; Thayer’s golf team, however, embodied steady play throughout the round and persevered against these challenges.

Sascha Robinson '24 led the team with a low score of 74. Though frustrated with himself for struggling to string his birdie chances together, he finished at the top of the field with consistent play. 

Close behind was Cole Daniello '26 with the team’s second-lowest score of 75. Daniello found a rhythm after the first few holes and played loose, focused, and consistent golf. Hitting most of the greens in regulation, he wished he could've put away more birdie chances, but given the speed of the greens, no putts were “gimmes.”

Jack McCarthy '24 finished with a 76 after playing what he called "mediocre golf." While he struggled to hit as many greens as Robinson or Daniello, McCarthy scrambled from everywhere on the course. 

Similarly, captain Sam Taylor '23 closed the team's score with a 79. With a mix of both greens in regulation and impressive scrambles, Taylor found a way to post a winning score and impose his will on the course even when he encountered unfortunate bounces and impossible putts.

Matt Sulivan '24 and Jake Crowley '24 had tougher days on the course but supported the team in spirit.

“The team should be immensely proud of their achievement, beating many of the strongest teams in Rhode Island, the individual defending champion Iona Prep, Dexter Southfield, and St. George’s from the ISL,” said head coach Bo Cramer, who also teaches English in the Upper School. “The win is a testament to their work ethic, grit, and love of the game. The 2023 varsity golf team is an incredible group, commemorated by this incredible win.” 

Athletic Director Bobbi Moran congratulated the team for its season and its victory at Warwick Country Club. 

“It’s a fantastic tournament finish for our Tigers,” she said.