DEREK BARD SHARES FOURTH CLASS VICTORY WITH BROTHER ALEC AFTER MATCHING 1-UNDER 71′S
The Spartans from left: Justin Rockwell, Tommy Mandel, Alec Bard, coach Tom Snizek, Alex Malta, Patrick Coughlin and Derek Bard.
Story courtesy Nick Sardina-cnygolfhome.com
May 21
BALDWINSVILLE – New Hartford junior Derek Bard is probably used to sharing with his younger brother Alec.This time the New Hartford junior will have to share the Class A Sectional title with Alec, after the siblings fired matching 1-under-par 71s Monday at Radisson Greens Golf Club.
Alec Bard shot 1-under 71 Monday to tie for the championship at the Class A Section III Qualifier. The win was Derek's fourth consecutive class title.
The win was Derek’s fourth consecutive class title and Alec’s first. Alec and Derek both won their first titles in the eighth grade.
Their rounds were very different, as Alec came roaring out of the gates and Derek struggled early and steadied himself with a solid closing nine of 35.
“I played great today,” Alec Bard said. “I got off to a great start and birdied three of my first five. After that I pretty much knew that I was fine, so i started playing a little safer and just got it into the clubhouse without a lot of damage.”
Although the brothers didn’t play in the same group, it still has to be a little different competing against each other for such a big title.
“He’s a great player,” Alec said. “Everyone knows that I root for him and I want him to do well and win every time he plays, regardless if I’m in it or not.
Derek, who has three years of experience on his younger brother felt the same about competing against Alec.”On the course I treat him like any other competitor. I root for him deep down and wish him the best, even though it sometimes may not seem like it.,” Bard joked.
The Bard’s led a very strong performance by the Spartans, who repeated as team champions in a runaway.
New Hartford shot 385 and had five players qualify for Thursday’s first round of the Section III Tournament at Seven Oaks Golf Course in Hamilton.
Whitesboro placed second at 418 and Jamesville-Dewitt was third at 448.
Alec Bard delivers big firing a 71 to win a share of the crown with brother Derek.
New Hartford’s top five scorers all advanced to compete at Seven Oaks. Joining the Bard’s are Alex Malta, Patrick Coughlin and Tommy Mandel, who all shot 81.
Other Tri Valley League players to qualify for Seven Oaks were: Whitesboro’s Chuck Coppola (77); Camden’s Seth Adams (78); RFA’s Joe Facciolo (82) and Mike Vacheresse (83); Whitesboro’s Sam Tornatore (83); Camden’s Austin Chandler (83); Whitesboro’s Joel Jakubowicz (84) and Austin Odell 84.
New Hartford head coach Tom Snizek has as good a perspective as anyone on the similarities and differences of Derek and Alec.
“Derek’s preparation is much more focused,” Snizek said. “He will go out an pound balls for hours on the range prior to and after a tournament. He will spend hours on the practice green putting and chipping. Alec is very focused on tournament days. Prior to that, he is much more laid back about hitting balls on the range and spending time on the putting green.
“They are both competitors, they both want to win, and both are mentally tough. It is their mental games that I remain impressed with. During a round Alec and Derek do not get rattled. If they three putt a green (which is rare), they both know it is part of the game.
That is where their dad comes into play. Dave is always talking/discussing strategy and always gives the two a positive outlook on the bleakest set of circumstances. Their preparation for tournaments begin with a pep talk from their father.”
Class A Sectional Qualifier at Radisson Greens, Par 72
Team Results: New Hartford 385; Whitesboro 418; Jamesville-Dewitt 448, Cortland 457; Chittenango 451;Watertown 492; East Syracuse-Minoa 495; Fulton 530.
Individual Qualifers for Seven Oaks: Derek Bard (NH) 71; Alec Bard (NH) 71; Mike McIntosh (Chit) 76; Chuck Coppola (Wboro) 77; Seth Adams (Cam) 78; Alex Malta (NH) 81; Patrick Coughlin (NH) 81; Tommy Mandel (NH) 81; Joe Facciolo (RFA) 82; Mike Vacheresse (RFA) 83; Bryan Reader (ESM) 83; Erik Davis (JD) 83; Sam Tornatore(Wboro) 83; Austin Chandler (Cam) 83; Joel Jakubowicz (Wboro) 84; Austin Odell (Wboro) 84;Connor Goss (Fult) 85.
For stories from other classes hit the link!
