Ryan Liu, Ethan Yao help propel Manhasset to Long Island boys golf championship
Manhasset wins the Long Island boys golf team golf championship on Bethpage Black on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
When seventh-graders Ryan Liu and Ethan Yao joined the Manhasset golf team this year, the squad knew its fresh faces would propell the team to new heights.
Liu shot a 4-over-par 75 and Yao shot an 80 to help Manhasset to an 8-1 win over Ward Melville in the Long Island boys golf championship at Bethpage Black. It is the second Long Island title for the program, which won five of six head-to-head matchups Tuesday and earned an additional three points thanks to their 461-402 stroke advantage.
“We’ve been hunting for this title for a while and once we got the two seventh graders, we knew we had the team for it,” said junior Jaden Chen, who shot an 8-over-par 79. “It was only a matter of time.”
“They are just unbelievable,” said junior Justin Yemm, who shot an 87. “When I first saw them play, it was amazing. Everyone hit the ball 30 yards past them, but they still beat everyone. We all knew they were good coming up, but how they stay within themselves, especially playing with us juniors and seniors, is really impressive.”
Liu and Yao helped Manhasset to an 11-2 record this season that was capped by ousting an undefeated Ward Melville team (12-1). Shane Fuchs posted a team-best 15-over 86 and Jacob Schwartzbard shot 89 for the Patriots.
“I just wanted to contribute as much as I could to the team this season,” Liu said. “I’m very happy that I was able to play the best I could and bring this trophy back to Manhasset.”
Coach Mike Tarnowski said junior Evan Fulgieri was the ultimate role model for Yao this season, but Fulgieri said Yao has also inspired him to be a better golfer.
“I learned so much from him. He plays like they have 50 years of experience,” said Fulgieri, who shot an 81. “They just want to help the team in the end.”
“It’s great having a role model like Evan on the course,” Yao added. “It means everything we’ve put in hours of work and dedication, and it paid off."
For senior captain Alex Gore, the title was “a long time coming.”
“It means so much,” Gore said. “We continued to fall short for three years so to get it done in my senior year, it’s something very special.”
