UNCASVILLE, Connecticut — Carys Fennessy continues to showcase her extraordinary talent, as she consistently brings home championship plaques, even during off days on the golf course.
This past Sunday, at the prestigious Mohegan Sun Golf Course, the Dover High School senior clinched her second consecutive New England High School girls golf championship, further solidifying her status as a top competitor.
Fennessy’s impressive score of 1-under-par 70 in a competitive field of 50 golfers from across the six New England states led to her victory. Senior Lillian Guleserian from Westwood, Massachusetts, delivered a commendable performance, finishing in second place with a score of 1-over-par 72.
“It was pretty cool to win back-to-back years,” Fennessy shared with a smile. “I never really expected to win the New England high school (championship) even once, so to claim it twice is a wonderful surprise. It wasn’t my ideal round, but I persevered, made a few birdies, and it was just enough to get it done.”
Fennessy’s remarkable achievement serves as a fitting conclusion to her illustrious four-year career at Dover High School. She recently triumphed in her second consecutive New Hampshire Women’s Amateur in August and made a noteworthy debut in the LPGA event at the end of August during the FM Global Championship at TPC Boston, Massachusetts. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in leading Dover to a second-place finish in the Division I championship and secured her fourth New Hampshire high school girls individual title.
Matt Fennessy, who serves as both coach and father to Carys, expressed immense pride, describing Sunday’s win as a “great accomplishment” for his daughter. He acknowledged the challenges of the tournament, particularly given its late fall scheduling.
“It’s a tough tournament just from the standpoint of playing so late in the fall,” Matt said. “Even when she doesn’t have her absolute best, she can grind it out and still post really solid numbers; that’s precisely what she had to do.”
Winnacunnet sophomore Nora Fleming demonstrated determination by shooting an 87 and tying for 26th place, while St. Thomas Aquinas sophomore Kendall Wishart battled hard to finish in 45th with a score of 106.
Fennessy finishes strong, rallies on back nine
Trailing by two shots to Guleserian after the front nine, Fennessy’s steady resolve began to shine through. She shot a 35 while Guleserian managed a 33.
At the 13th hole, Fennessy inquired about her standing, prompting Matt’s encouraging assessment. “I said ‘I think you’re 2 shots back’,” he recalled. “Before I knew it, she birdied 13, 14, and 15. At that point, I was confident she was in good standing.”
In stark contrast, Guleserian struggled on the back nine, shooting a 39, four shots behind Fennessy’s pace. Fennessy reflected on her mental shift, stating, “I became more comfortable on the back nine. The front nine had some pretty windy conditions, and it started warming up towards the back, allowing me to swing more freely and hit better shots.”
Regardless of weather conditions or competition challenges, Fennessy remains undeterred. She dedicates significant time to her preparation for tournaments, believing it is a crucial factor in her success. “I think that’s a fundamental aspect of my achievements, and it stems from the process more than anything else,” she explained. “Competing in a competitive summer schedule each year leaves me feeling thoroughly prepared for these tournaments.”
Seacoast has three in top 26 of boys field
Winnacunnet High School senior Jimmy Schouller performed commendably by shooting a 3-over-par 74, finishing tied for 10th in the boys’ field. Jack Quinn from Gardiner, Maine High School, captured the title with an impressive 4-under-par 67.
Portsmouth High School sophomore Grey Gagnon came in strong with a score of 77, securing a spot in a six-way tie for 19th, and Exeter High School senior Jascha Johnston rounded out a solid performance with a 78, finishing in a seven-way tie for 26th.
