The golf team had one of the school’s best seasons in recent history, finishing second in the CVC conference, with an outstanding CVC record of 5-3 and an overall record of 6-6.

The conference tournament was held on Monday, Sept. 15. Thanks to their great performance, the team made a huge statement about where the program would be headed for the future.

Ever since the earliest practices in August, it was clear that there was something different about the team. The players came to practice with focus, a motivation to play, and a desire to compete. 

Junior Jordan Uria felt momentum at the start of the season.

“We set the tone early in August,” he said. “Everyone was buying in, and we knew we had an opportunity to do something really special. We weren’t just coming in to play, we were coming in to compete.”

The team performed well at the Fowler’s Mill Sectional Tournament on Sept. 22. They showed consistency and determination on a tough course. 

Leading the players was senior Gavi Lappen, who scored 83. He navigated the tight fairways and fast greens with confidence. 

Close behind him were senior captain Lucius Venditti and Liav Perez, each scoring 85. Ethan Malek completed the scoring with an 86, contributing to a strong team effort. 

Although they didn’t advance as a team, the members showed depth and promise for the future. 

“The course played tough, especially on the back nine where the wind picked up,” Lucius Venditti said. “But I’m proud of how we stayed composed and pushed through every shot. It shows how much we’ve grown as a team.” 

This dedication continued all season, as the athletes played game after game, claiming second in conference—just a few strokes behind first. Even though they’d narrowly missed first place, the team left with pride in how far they’d come.

The sectionals tournament marked the end of the season for Beachwood, but the team left with valuable experiences and goals for next year. 

According to Uria, Venditti led the way both on and off the course. He was the team’s best scorer, but more importantly, he was the person who brought everyone together.  

Venditti explained his approach to the role of team captain.

“Being captain isn’t just about hitting good shots,” Venditti said. “It’s about making sure everyone feels like they belong here, and that we’re pushing each other to get better every single day.”

The best moment of the year came when Beachwood played one of their best rounds in the conference championship match, and even though they’d just missed first place, the team departed with their heads held high and with an understanding of the tremendous growth they had shown. 

“Yes, we wanted first,” Venditti said. “But knowing we helped get Beachwood golf out there again and seeing how much we all improved was bigger than any trophy.”

Lappen also credited Venditti’s leadership, keeping the team calm in stressful situations. 

“Lucius kept us focused when things were bad,” Lappen said. “If one guy was struggling with a hole, he’d be the first to go over and put an arm around him and say there’s another hole coming up. That’s the kind of thinking that got us second place rather than slipping in the standings.”

The key to their success was that they all played their part. Some of them made winning putts, and some stood firm mentally in difficult rounds. Others simply kept spirits high. Whatever the role, everyone was an essential part of the team. 

“We didn’t walk away feeling like we lost,” Uria said. “We walked away knowing we were building something here. Second place is just the beginning.”