Benjamin Boys Golf Claims Second Florida High School Postseason Trophy
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — The Benjamin boys golf team solidified its status as a powerhouse in Florida high school golf by securing their second postseason trophy, triumphing in a closely contested match against their rivals, Oxbridge Academy. Ranked No. 1 overall in the state by iWanamaker, the Buccaneers shot an impressive score of 284, defeating Oxbridge by just four strokes during the Region 4-1A championship held on a blustery Monday, November 3, at The Park West Palm.
The Bucs’ success is not merely a stroke of luck. Senior Maurice Hoben and freshman standout Clint Lewis demonstrated exceptional skill, each firing a score of 70 (1-under par) to tie for the second-best score of the day alongside Pine Crest’s Finn Foster. "It was definitely a lot harder with the wind, especially since the greens were really fast," Lewis remarked. "I feel like I played well, hit a lot of solid iron shots, and made a few putts."
In a display of teamwork that underscores the essence of golf, Benjamin’s golfers Charlie Woods, the son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, and Andrew Tsar each contributed with rounds of 72. Despite challenging conditions, like gusty winds reaching 30 mph, the Bucs demonstrated resilience and adaptability.
The Perfect Combination of Experience and New Talent
Harbeck praised his team’s consistency, emphasizing the critical contributions from non-starters. "My guys were really consistent. The nice thing is when your No. 4 and No. 5 guys, Andrew (Tsar) and Clint, really helped us today. That’s what team golf is all about," he noted. Benjamin and Oxbridge Academy have been fierce rivals for years, and this victory adds another chapter to their storied competition, as they are both the last two Class 1A boys golf state champions.
Their recent victory at The Park follows a narrow win over Oxbridge at the district championship, where the Bucs edged the ThunderWolves by three strokes just a week prior. As they prepare for the state championship on November 14 in Howey-in-the-Hills, this championship win serves as a confidence booster for the team.
Freshman Golfer Clint Lewis Stands Out
Among the standout performers was freshman Clint Lewis, who comes from a lineage of accomplished golfers. His grandfather Bob had a noteworthy career, participating in the Masters Tournament seven times and earning Low Amateur honors in 1987. Lewis’s consistent performance on the course is impressive, having carded four birdies during the recent championship, further solidifying his impact on the team’s success.
"Our tradition is that whoever is the team champion gets to hold the trophy. When I gave it to him, it took everything in my power to get him to hold it," said Coach Toby Harbeck. He added, "Clint is low-key; he just gets the job done and he’s a bulldog."
Ajax Lanasa of Oxbridge Academy Shines
While Benjamin celebrated its victory, Oxbridge Academy’s Ajax Lanasa also made headlines. He showcased remarkable skill by shooting a score of 66 (5-under par), the best individual score, which earned him the title of individual region champion. "I just tried to hit the fairways and the greens out here. I hit a lot of shots less than full to take the spin off," Lanasa explained.
Lanasa managed to bogey only once during the competition – on the 17th hole – while securing six birdies throughout the round. His strong performance has not only made him a vital asset for Oxbridge but has instilled confidence in his teammates as they look forward to the upcoming state championship. “It was great, and I know he’s an incredible athlete,” said Oxbridge head coach Dan McLellan. “I look forward to seeing what he has left in there.”
Team Scores at the Region 4-1A Championship
The competition at the Region 4-1A championship was intense, with several teams showing impressive scores. Here are the top five team scores from the event:
- Benjamin — 284
- Oxbridge Academy — 288
- Pine Crest — 290
- King’s Academy — 296
- Cardinal Newman — 300
Individual Scores That Made an Impact
The individual performances were equally noteworthy, with many standout scores contributing to the excitement of the tournament. The top individual scores included:
- Ajax Lanasa, Oxbridge Academy — 66
- Finn Foster, Pine Crest — 70
- Maurice Hoben, Benjamin — 70
- Clint Lewis, Benjamin — 70
- Grant Garrison, St. John Paul II — 71
- Charlie Sundermeier, St. John Paul II — 71
- Beau Allen, King’s Academy — 71
Looking Ahead: The State Championship Awaits
As the Benjamin boys golf team prepares for the state championship, they are focused on maintaining the momentum generated from their recent victories. They have built an impressive legacy, and Coach Harbeck is optimistic about what lies ahead. "We’re looking to finish strong and bring home another trophy," he shared. The team dynamics and understanding of the game will be critical as they face new challenges in the state championship.
The Legacy of High School Golf
High school golf has fostered incredible talent and stories, none more so than those from the unequivocally competitive South Florida region. As the fall golf season progresses toward the climax of the state championship, excitement continues to build. These young athletes not only represent their schools but also carry the hopes and aspirations of their communities as they showcase their skills on the course.
Conclusion: Building Future Champions
The quest for excellence in high school golf is both an individual and a collective effort. Teams like Benjamin and Oxbridge Academy exemplify what is possible when golf is played with heart and dedication. As Clint Lewis continues to rise in the ranks of young golf talent, and as established players like Ajax Lanasa continue to perform at high levels, the future of Florida high school golf looks promising. The coming weeks will be crucial as both teams strive to secure their legacies and further their journeys in competitive golf.
For further updates on high school sports, stay tuned!
Alex Peterman is a high school sports reporter for The Palm Beach Post. Connect with him at apeterman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on the Palm Beach Post.
