In going to Pelham Country Club to see the Fordham Prep vs. Iona Prep match, I got a little bonus golf in the fact that Pelham was also playing Eastchester. Let’s start with Fordham Prep:

The Rams took a pretty good challenge from their rival before winning 3-2. Fordham was led by sophomore Paul Toohey, who tied for medalist honors with Iona’s Kyle Keelan by posting a 2-over 37. Toohey has been red-hot of late, finishing as the medalist for Fordham in each of the past three matches. That fact is made even more impressive by the fact the Rams still have Jon Renza, the defending CHSAA state champ, and John Hough on the team.

Speaking of Renza, he suffered the first defeat since joining Fordham’s varsity team last season. Iona Prep freshman Shane Malloy was able to keep his record perfect by defeating Renza on the second extra hole.

Although neither played extremely well, it was a tightly-contested match throughout. Malloy went in front after an incredible birdie on No. 7, but Renza’s par on No. 9 tied it up. With neither wanting to end in a tie, they went back to No. 1 for a sudden-death playoff. Renza’s 15-foot birdie kept the match going, but he was unable to get up-and-down for par on No. 2. Expect to hear plenty more from these two over the next few years.

John Hough and David Bush also won matches for Fordham, which improved to 4-0.

Keelan and Malloy won for Iona Prep (3-1-1).

As for the other match, Pelham easily defeated Eastchester 222-264. These two teams have had some fantastic matches the past couple seasons, but the Eagles have almost an entirely new team this year.

Pelham lost two all-section players, but the Pelicans still have Andrew Emerson. Yesterday, the junior shot a 38 that included birdies on the 8th and 9th holes. It would be tough to find a player in the entire area playing better, as Emerson hasn’t broken 40 just once in his eight matches thus far.

While waiting for the final group to come in, I got into a little putting competition with Pelham coach Tom Roksvold and Eastchester coach Joe Cirasella. Let’s just say I need to start practicing … a lot.

There was also one match that got reported last night, which I wanted to point out. Harrison defeated Scarsdale 195 to 205 at Willow Ridge to give the Huskies a very impressive win. The two teams will play again May 13 at Fenway Golf Club.