Rye Neck Golf Winning Panthers, Happily, Reach an All-Time Low

By Mitch Silver

The Rye Neck Varsity Golf team got a late start to the season, thanks to the wintry weather that lasted well into April. But since then, the Hornidge Road linksters are creating their own little heat wave wherever they go.

Latest to feel the heat have been the boys from Horace Greeley, Briarcliff, and Edgemont. In fact, the Panthers registered their lowest total score in the last 15 years in the victory over Edgemont earlier this month, posting a sizzling 203 at Metropolis Country Club. Rye Neck was led by Aidan Heaton and Eikoh Hayashi, a youngster who played first singles on the varsity tennis team last spring and only recently took up competitive golf. They each had a 39, while Danny Morningstar and Michael Miller had 41s.

Head Coach Mark Canno, who’s sharing coaching duties with David Grazioli this spring, shook his head in disbelief. “This was our lowest team score in the 13 years I‘ve been coaching. Amazing! One or two kids can go low on a given day, but four players averaging 40 a round? It’s sensational.”

The coach pointed to contributions from nine players this season. “Aidan and Eikoh have a good chance to make Sectionals, while Danny is looking to make All-League. In addition, Mike, Genki Ono, Ronan Heaton, Jack and Luke Masciopinto, and Martin Murphy have all played major roles in our team victories.” 

The team’s record now stands at 7-4, with remaining matches against Edgemont, Blind Brook, Sleepy Hollow, and Horace Greeley to close out the regular campaign.

The Panthers travel to Mount Kisco Country Club for a return match against Greeley this Wednesday. They hope to have at least two players qualify for Sectionals later this month, at Waccabuc Country Club on the 21^st and Fenway Golf Club on the 23^rd.

The 2018 Panthers registered their best score in at least 15 years.