Lake Forest, Barrington a good bet to make boys golf state

LAKE BLUFF — With all six of its golfers breaking 80 at Lake Bluff Golf Club on Monday, Lake Forest appears headed to the Class 3A boys golf state tournament. The Scouts posted the unofficial low score at their own rain-delayed sectional.

All of the Scouts finished their rounds, posting an unofficial 293 before lightening sirens scattered all remaining players off the course at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Monday. Though all results will remain unofficial until the tournament is completed — hopefully Tuesday, according to Lake Forest athletic director Tim Burkhalter — Lake Forest’s total was five strokes better than Barrington’s 299.

Quinn Gaughan led his team with a 2-under par 70, his best round of the season. That was the lowest score posted before rain suspended play.

“I practiced my putting a lot the past week,” Gaughan said, noting that he was concerned about his play on the greens. “That took care of the problem and I kept the ball in play.”

His play made it easier for his teammates to concentrate on their games.

“Quinn was playing so well I didn’t have to be concerned, I could just play my game,” said Mac Montagne, who fired a 73. “I was able to hit the fairways, reach the greens [in regulation] and two putt.”

Gaughan, Montagne and the rest of the team — Elliot Georges (74), Jack Garrity (76), Scott Frevert (77) and Alex Georges (79) — said playing on their home course helped.

“I didn’t have to get on a bus” Montagne said. “My mom made me a good breakfast, I came here when I wanted and teed it up like I have hundreds of times. It felt like home.”

“We’ve been looking forward to this all year,” coach Jim Matheson said. “It felt like any other day at Lake Bluff.”

The state finals are scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Bloomington.

Thunder, lightening delay tournament

After play was suspended once at approximately 3:30 p.m. it resumed around 45 minutes later only to have sirens go off again near 5 p.m.

“The course is unplayable,” Burkhalter said. “Play will resume at 9 a.m. tomorrow. The cups and tees will stay as they are.”

All the balls were marked. Of the 12 teams and 34 individuals in the tournament, four squads and 12 players were still on the course when play was called.

Barrington looks good for state

With only one player still competing when play was halted — Tom Calbi on the 18th hole — Barrington coach Mike Kallenbach felt certain the Broncos would finish in second place with a 299, assuring the team a spot in the state finals.

Leading the Broncos was sophomore Tim Lim with an even-par 72. With the help of his father, he found a way to deal with the elements.

“I try to make the rain my friend, not my enemy” Lim said. “My father told me if you let the rain be your friend you’re going to play [through] it.”

Besides Calbi’s incomplete score and Lim’s 72, contributing to the Broncos effort were Burke Barsamian (75), Joey Batliner (76), Kevin Altenberger (76) and Cole Kempinski (79).