Photo by Tracy Dreslinski Orchard Lake St. Mary’s junior Sean Hickey watches his shot during the Division 1 Oakland County Tournament May 13 at Pontiac Country Club. The Eaglets are looking to return to the Division 2 state final. They’ll tee it up in districts May 22 at Bald Mountain Golf Course in Lake Orion.

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

When the West Bloomfield High golf team steps up to the first tee at the Pontiac Country Club at 9 a.m. May 22 in a Division 1 district tournament, coach Art Link believes his team’s fate — whether it advances to regionals — will be decided by just a few strokes.

The Lakers have qualified for regionals — teams advance by finishing in the top six of their respective district tournaments — the past three seasons. The top six individuals from each district whose team did not qualify also advance to regionals.

But with a young squad this season, the veteran coach knows nothing is guaranteed this time around.

“We’re within an eyelash,” Link said of how close he expects the tournament to be.
Berkley High, Birmingham Groves, Birmingham Brother Rice, Farmington High, North Farmington, Southfield-Lathrup, Redford Union, Royal Oak High, Southfield High, Troy High and Troy Athens join the Lakers in their district field.

Link said he expects Farmington, North Farmington, Groves and Brother Rice to be near the top of the standings. He added that he feels his team will likely battle with Troy and Troy Athens for the two remaining spots.

“We have to beat either Troy Athens or Troy,” he said. “I think we have the possibility of beating Athens, but it’s not going to be an easy feat. We have to play solid, and hopefully, get some breaks here and there.”

West Bloomfield hadn’t played Troy at press time, but had lost to Athens by two strokes earlier in the season.

Link said his team has taken strokes off its totals since then, including its team total of 162 against Farmington High May 5 at Orchard Lake Country Club. The score was six strokes less than the team’s average.

“That showed me we definitely have a realistic capability to shoot low scores. Everyone has to have their game come together on the same day,” he said. “We’re getting stronger, and that’s the whole goal.”

In other local golf action:

Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Northern and Walled Lake Western head to Dunham Hills Golf Club in Hartland for their D-1 district tournament May 21.

In D-2, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s hopes to return to the state final and begins its journey May 22 at Bald Mountain Golf Course in Lake Orion.

All district action is scheduled to start at 9 a.m., but the starting time is subject to change. Check with the host course for any changes in terms of times and dates due to weather.

You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.