WINNETKA — Mikey Abrahamson survived a sudden-death playoff by making par on the third playoff hole to earn medalist honors at the Class 3A New Trier Regional.
The Loyola senior and New Trier junior Will Connelly both posted 2-over 73s in regulation at Winnetka Golf Club.
Abrahamson missed a 4-footer for birdie on the first playoff hole that would have clinched the victory. He then looked in position to win on the second playoff hole when Connelly flew his approach shot over the green. But Connelly, with his back against a bush, somehow saved par to extend the match.
Abrahamson finally closed out Connelly on the par-5 second, the third hole of the playoff. It’s his first regional title.
“I felt like I should have won it earlier,” said Abrahamson, who has verbally committed to Wisconsin. “I’m happy I won, but it was more important the team advanced.”
The Ramblers shot a 314 to take third place and qualify for the sectional tournament Monday at Old Oak Country Club in Homer Glen. Evanston won its first regional championship since 1996 by shooting a 302. New Trier finished second at 309.
“We’ve been trying and fighting to compete with (Loyola and New Trier), and we’ve been so close,” Evanston coach Jed Curtis said. “We knew one day we were going to do it. We’ve been knocking on the door, and we never gave up hope.”
The Wildkits were led by seniors Jake Casati and Jackson Mihevc, both of whom shot 75s to tie for third place.
The following Niles West individuals also advanced to the Marist Sectional: senior Nathaniel Lee (76), sophomore Skylar LeVine (82), junior Bennett Underwood (90) and senior Patrick Corlaciu (92).
