Rockford golfers leads western powers to victory

Rockford boys golfer goes under par in brutal conditions, leads team to Zeeland East title

Dean Holzwarth | grsports@mlive.com, April 13, 2013 5:37 p.m.

Hudsonville's Matt Buzas chips onto the green during the Zeeland Invitational Golf Tournament at Winding Creek golf course Saturday. - (Mark Copier | Mlive.com)

HOLLAND, MI – The 17-team field in Saturday's Zeeland East Invitational played more than five hours of golf in brutal weather conditions ranging from snow to bitterly cold wind chills in the teens.
The elements didn't seem to affect Rockford's A.J. Varekois.
The junior fired a 1-under 70 at Winding Creek Golf Course to win medalist honors and lead the Rams to a tournament title. Varekois, a returning all-conference performer, maintained an upbeat approach to the unseasonable weather.
“You have to almost take it as a challenge, and look at it on the bright side,” Varekois said. “You don't always get to play out there, so when you do, you have to look at it on the positive side. I got off to a rough start, but I still kept my head up and it really helped.”
Related:Click here to see more photos from the invitational
Varekois managed to hit only seven greens in regulation, but was aided by stellar play around the greens and a steady putter.
He recorded five birdies and four bogies, including a run of three birdies in a row.
“I didn't hit the ball particularly well, but my short game was there,” Varekois said. “I've been shooting around that score all year long, so it was nice to take it to a tournament, especially with not being able to play that much in the offseason because of the weather. I'll definitely take that score in these conditions.”
Varekois' low round propelled the Rams to a team total of 314. Rockford was seven shots ahead of runner-up Muskegon Reeths-Puffer. Forest Hills Northern (323), Portage Central (331) and Forest Hills Eastern (334) rounded out the top five.
The Rams also received solid scores from sophomore Joel Pietila (77), who finished third, sophomore Michael Cooper (83) and freshman Kevin Kamis (84).
It was Rockford's first tournament of the season after Thursday's Kent County Invitational was postponed, and coach Eric Cullum said his team had played only 21 holes before Saturday.
“For us to shoot 314 on a day like this in the middle of the year – I would've been satisfied – for us to do it (Saturday) with literally no practice, I'm blown away,” he said. “We had two goals today. I told them to commit to everything you do, and absolutely no pouting. I saw no pouting, and that was key.”
Cullum was impressed with Varekois' play.
“He can score, that's a fact,” Cullum said. “And when we get him hitting a lot of greens and get him on the offensive, Lord knows what can happen. I'm proud of him and excited that he got his year started with a win and a good number.”
Jenison senior Logan Sochacki shot a 5-over 76 and placed runner-up. He said the conditions were unlike any he had endured before.
“This might be the worst weather I've ever had at a high school event, but I played good,” he said. “The course was a little wet, but I got around and I drove it real good. On a day like this, you just have to accept it and have fun with it. I actually like it when it's a little windy and wet.”
Forest Hills Northern had a pair of golfers in the top ten. Drew Pennington and Charlie Bacle each shot 79 and placed sixth and eighth, respectively.