The Fords rolled into the 2019 school year with high hopes of repeating their 2018 Inter-Ac victory. During the regular season, Haverford takes part in six Inter-Ac matches against the other five schools in the Inter-Ac. Each team hosts one tournament at their home course.
The Fords have a fresh lineup this year, adding six new players to their eight-man roster: three seniors, four juniors, and one sophomore. With upperclassmen representing seven out of their eight players, the Fords have lots of experience under their belt.
The Fords experienced success early by firing a 182 in their Inter-Ac debut at a challenging Merion West. Leading The Fords was Fifth Former Tyler Zimmer’s 33, two under par. Three other players came in with 38 or better.
The Fords found the same success at Bluestone Country Club, a short and narrow course. The team managed to average a 38, counting their top five scores. The Fords beat their nearest competitors by twenty strokes in only their first two matches.
Even though Haverford dominated in their first two matches, Malvern and Episcopal came out strong for the next two. The Fords fell short in the Huntington Valley and Waynesborough matches. Zimmer is using these losses as motivation for next week’s match.
“Episcopal and Malvern have put up a great fight,” Zimmer said. “Some of their top players are stepping up. I know that we are the better team skill-wise, but we have to keep our heads down and grind it out for the next several weeks.”
Zimmer is not taking these losses light-heartedly. He knows the team has talent, and expects them to win. Zimmer is making sure he will be at peak performance for next week’s match.
“I’ll personally be hitting the range and short-game area every moment I can, making sure my game is in good enough shape that I’m confident. Confidence is everything in golf,” Zimmer said.
Zimmer has confidence in himself and in his teammates for the remainder of the Inter-Ac golf season. He believes the Fords still have something to prove and are far from done.
“Our goal is to win the two remaining Inter-Ac tournaments,” Zimmer said. “I will do everything I can do to hold down my end, but school golf is a team sport. I’m confident each of the top-eight players can post solid numbers. Now it’s just about executing.”
“I think we can win the rest of our matches, and each person is capable of reaching their personal goals.”
Alec Stern ’20
Sixth Former and Captain Alec Stern said, “I need the players to keep their heads in the game. Golf is a mental game, and it’s easy to give up on yourself. I can only keep them on the right track and motivate them to practice and perform.”
Performing is just what the Fords plan to do. With two more Inter-Ac matches, States, and EA Day remaining, the Fords look to prove a point to the other Inter-Ac schools. Stern has full confidence in his team.
“I think we can win the rest of our matches, and each person is capable of reaching their personal goals,” Stern said. “If we just continue to grind out this final month and work hard, then both will be fine.”
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