Newsday's All-Long Island boys golf team 2024
The 2024 Newsday All-Long Island boys golf team, from left: Bryan Zhao of Jericho, Joseph Dolezal of Wheatley, Evan Fulgieri of Manhasset, Owen Jessop of Westhampton, Colby Baran of Riverhead, Zach Berger of Westhampton and Coach Mike Tarnowski of Manhasset. Credit: James Escher
Newsday Golfer of the Year: Joseph Dolezal, Wheatley, Sr.
Joseph Dolezal is no stranger to delivering magical shots.
After opening the two-day, 36-hole state golf championship with a four-under 68 on Sunday, Dolezal entered Monday’s final round with a two-stroke lead.
But Ken Fernandes, a freshman from Horace Greeley, made five birdies and an eagle as Dolezal birdied the 18th and both golfers finished at tied at 6-under par (138) to force a playoff hole.
The Wheatley senior and Newsday’s Player of the Year made a clinching par on the second playoff hole to capture the state title. His final-round 70 brought him to six under par for the two-day tournament.
Joseph Dolezal at the State Federation championship at Bethpage Black. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
“I didn’t really think of it as a playoff, I was just playing golf,” Dolezal said. “It was about playing my game and staying on fire after having two birdies.”
The St. John’s commit became the fifth Long Island golfer and fourth from Nassau to capture a state title since the tournament’s inception in 1973.
“He just played tremendously,” Wheatley coach Henry Kupstas said. “It was unbelievable to watch.”
Dolezal also won his second consecutive Nassau title with rounds of five-under 67 on the Bethpage Blue Course and a two-under 69 on the Red Course.
Colby Baran, Riverhead, So.
Baran was the Suffolk runner-up, shooting a 72 and a 75 for a 147 score at Spring Lake Golf Club. He also finished tied for 40th at the state championships with an 11-over par 155.
Zach Berger, Westhampton, So.
Berger finished third at the county tournament, shooting rounds of 75 and 74. He also finished eighth at the state championships with an even-par 144.
Jack Estrella, Friends Academy, Sr.
Estrella shot a 4-over par 148 to finished tied for 14th at the state championship.
Evan Fulgieri, Manhasset, Jr.
Fulgieri finished tied for 33rd at the state championship after shooting a 10-over par 154.
Owen Jessop, Westhampton, Jr.
Jessop was the Suffolk individual champion after winning the playoff hole and shooting a two-day, 36-hole total of 3-over 147. He also finished tied for 40th at the state championships (155).
Dean Muratore, St. Anthony’s, Sr.
Muratore went undefeated in league play for the Friars before capturing the NSCHSAA title with a 3-under par 69 at Eisenhower Red.
Bryan Zhao, Jericho, Jr.
Zhao finished sixth at the state championships, shooting rounds of 73 and 69 for a two-day score of 2-under par 142.
Coach of the Year: Mike Tarnowski, Manhasset
Tarnowski led Manhasset to the Long Island and county titles in his third year as coach.
