PETALUMA — Heavy rain brought an early conclusion to a Coastal Mountain Conference South match on Wednesday afternoon at Adobe Creek Golf Course in Petaluma.
With golfers still on the course during the scheduled 18-hole competition, the match was called with groups scattered between the 12th and 14th holes. For scoring purposes, only nine holes were counted (fourth through 12th), according to Kelseyville High School coach John Berry.
“It was real bad,” Berry said of course conditions late in the match. “The 16th, 17th and 13th holes were unplayable. We had standing water on the greens.”
St. Vincent won with 199 strokes and Kelseyville edged out Middletown for second place, 211-214. St. Helena was next with 218 while Rincon Valley Christian and Tomales were incomplete (fewer than five golfers). Calistoga was a no-show for the second straight South match.
“When we were here last year it was windy,” Berry said. “It”s probably easier to play in the rain than in the wind. Most golfers will tell you that.”
Playing on St. Vincent”s home turf, Berry said it was important for the Knights “to hold serve” and finish second, which they did despite a fierce challenge from Middletown, which was led by Blaine Ruggio”s 1-over-par 36 (tied for low round of the day) and Lisa Copeland”s 38.
“St. Vincent was going to win here rain or no rain, so we needed to finish second,” Berry said with eye on the South schedule and venues that favor Kelseyville down the road.
Connor Brown led St. Vincent with a 37.
For Kelseyville, Tyler Drake led the way with a 36, tying Ruggio for the low round, and Wyatt Ferrell had a 38.
St. Vincent leads the South through three matches with a 17-1 record and Kelseyville is close behind at 16-2. Middletown (11-7) moved past St. Helena (10-8) into third place.
The next CMC South match is April 13 at Hidden Valley Lake.
