Drew Barrett, Lake Forest finish just short of state

Lake Forest boys golf coach Jim Matheson didn’t hold a formal written vote to elect a captain this season as he has some years.

He decided it would be a waste of paper.

“There was no sense in even voting on it because all 14 ballots would have been for Drew Barrett anyway,” Matheson said. “Everyone looks up to him.”

Added junior Jack Garrity, “He’s our best player and the most mature kid on the team. He’s dedicated and knows how to handle (different situations) well.”

At the Class 3A Huntley Sectional at Blackstone Golf Club in Marengo Monday, that meant battling back after playing the opening nine in 6-over par. Barrett, a senior, negotiated the final nine holes in 1 over to finish with a 79.

Although the Scouts had four players shoot in the 70s (for a team total of 312), it was not enough to advance as a team or send any individuals to the state tournament. The three advancing teams were Deerfield (302), St. Viator (306) and Prospect (307). The cut-off for individual qualifying was 76.

“The conditions were fairly difficult and the wind was strong,” Barrett said. “I thought we had the right numbers to get through, and I was surprised at how many low scores there were. Some of the other teams just played better.”

Matheson was not at all surprised with the way Barrett bounced back on his final nine holes.

“He always fights back,” Matheson said. “You know whatever his score is, it’s the best number he could possibly shoot that day.”

Matheson said that practical, methodical approach has served Barrett well on the course and as the Scouts’ captain.

“Everything that he says is well thought out,” Matheson said. “He’s got that quiet confidence and is a genuine kid.”

Barrett has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to lead a Scouts team that was a fixture near the top of most leaderboards this season. Throughout the season, Barrett was Lake Forest’s most consistent player.

“The Lake Forest golf program has always been successful and we take it pretty seriously,” he said. “It means a lot to know that the guys on the team who are great friends of mine think of me as a role model.”

Although this was not the most successful team Matheson has coached at Lake Forest, he said he appreciated the way the group approached golf on and off the course.

“We talked on the van home (Monday) about how much fun we had as a team,” Matheson said. “Whether it was on the course or going out to dinner, they were all best friends, and that’s what they’ll miss most. Hearing them talk about the fun they had and the memories (they made) means more to a coach than anything.”