CHATAUQUA, New York ---- Massasoit's Jack DeCoste (Sandwich) set two school records at the NJCAA National Golf Tournament, carding new lows for an individual round at Nationals and four-day total as the freshman finished 78th overall at Chautauqua Golf Club.
After a slow start, posting scores of 97 and 93 on the first two days, DeCoste turned it on in his final two rounds. On day three, DeCoste rolled in an 83, the lowest round every by a Massasoit golfer at the National Tournament, besting former Warrior Mike Cappadona's 85 in 2015.
"It was the best of week of my life behind Cooperstown when I was 12 years old," DeCoste said. "What an incredible experience being able to play such a great course all week and meet so many new people from across the country. Nothing but golf sunrise to sundown."
Not only did DeCoste set a single round score, but he also recorded a tournament-low total, just edging Cappandona. With a final round 84, DeCoste finished at +69 (97+93+83+84=357) for the tournament, placing him 78th overall and squeaking by Cappadona's 358 (+70) four-day total from two years ago.
"It was definitely an experience I can build off of," DeCoste said. "I obviously wish I played better the first two days, but was happy with the way I closed out my last two rounds. I'm really excited to play again next year and hopefully make it back to Nationals."
DeCoste ranked fifth amongst the 10 Region 21 qualifiers at Nationals, with Nick Baker of MassBay carding the low total from the region, placing 30th overall at +34.
The 6,571-yard course with challenging Donald Ross design greens saw only one golfer finish below par, two-time individual National Champion Dante Migliore of Mohawk Valley CC at six-under-par (282).
Georgia Military College captured the team title at +63, with a four-day total of 1,215.
