Sarah Klearman and Kate McMahon
Associate Sports Editor and Reporter
Sophomore Justin Clark winds up for a shot
It’s not unusual to see a member of the New Canaan boys golf team included in the top ten golfers in the FCIAC. What is unusual is for that golfer to be a freshman, staring down three more years of climbing that leaderboard. Sophomore Justin Clark found himself in that exact situation during his last golf season. Then a freshman, he placed 6th individually in FCIACs and helped the team claim 3rd place in the tournament and 2nd place in states. Now, as the only returning varsity player on the golf team, he is looking to help the team claim the champion title.
In order to accomplish this task, Justin worked hard over the summer in preparation. “I played in a lot of big national tournaments in the off season,” he said. “While competing there, I realized that I’m just as good as some of the other kids playing, so that gave me a lot of confidence.”
The boys’ coach, Bill Brown, also has faith in Justin’s ability. “He’s already an excellent golfer, but he’s also got two more years to go,” he said. “So he’s got a chance to be one of the best golfers I’ve ever had.”
The team faces a challenge in replacing the six seniors they lost to graduation and the two additional players who went off to prep school. “We’re relatively inexperienced with playing at the varsity level,” said Coach Brown. “However, we do expect to be in the hunt for the FCIAC championship as we have in years past.”
Justin’s contribution has allowed the team to reach new heights. “He is definitely our number one golfer on the team,” Coach Brown said. “The first match of the season, he had two birdies and seven pars. Justin’s got the complete game – every shot in the bag, as we say.”
Junior captain Chris Tohir, one of the three captains alongside senior Jack Jeffrey and Junior Kyle Finnican, recognizes Justin’s mental and physical ability. “Justin is really good at being able to play consistently,” Chris said. “He doesn’t let bad shots get in the way of how he plays, and that’s an extremely important quality to have.”
Justin is not only climbing the leaderboards but shows passion for the game while he does it. “In golf, everything is on you as an independent player,” he said. “If you make a mistake, there’s no one else to blame. It’s can be a sport where you have to rely on yourself, but there is ultimately a team aspect to it as well.”
Kyle Finnican joined the varsity team at the end of last year, and has seen Justin grow and develop as a player. “Justin is our number one and he deserves that title,” he said. “As a golfer, it’s really important to be relaxed and calm, and Justin is really capable of keeping his cool.”
Coach Brown not only appreciates Justin as a player but as a person as well. “The kids all enjoy being around him and he’s very easy to coach. He knows what he’s doing and he makes me look good,” Brown said.
Justin understands the challenges the team faces but still remains positive. “This season we’re looking to claim an FCIAC and state title,” he said. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from the New Canaan Boys Golf team.”
