By Cole Rosendahl

The Ponte Vedra High Boy’s Golf team has been on a roll since their first match. They have capped off multiple victories over the months of August and September. The Sharks took a road trip to Orlando, where they played in the Central Florida Prep Invitational on Sep. 3 against 16 other teams. Only the best of the best get invited to play in this tournament, and here, the Sharks led the pack. The boys finished in an overall first place with the team combining for an under-par score of 275 (-5). The next closest team behind them was Benjamin High School, which scored a 276 (-4). Senior, Cooper Franklin led the team in scoring, shooting a 67 (-3), with Junior, James Nagle carding a 68 (-2). Both junior, Jake Mason and senior, Easton Oliva shot 70s (E), and senior, Danny Gimbel shot a 72 (+2). The Sharks played against big names in this tournament, like the son of Tiger Woods, Charlie Woods. But the big names didn’t intimidate the Sharks, as their playing proved their top-tier ranking in the state of Florida. On the other hand, sophomore, Jude Johnson has been rising on the Shark’s roster and dropped a few unbelievable scores during this time. Johnson has carded a 70, 71, 67, and 66 (all under-par rounds) in his recent tournaments, drawing eyes from scouts and coaches. His ability to launch the ball off the tee and finish around the green has really turned some heads on this talent-loaded roster. Most recently, Johnson carded a 66 (-6) at the Randy Warren Invitational played on Sep. 8 in Flemming Island. Johnson’s score earned himself solo first place at the event, even though the Shark’s earned an overall second place finish. Johnson and Franklin were the only Shark’s to go under par with Franklin shooting a 69 (-3). Due to rainy weather, the scoring was particularly high among other teams, but the Shark’s locked in with an overall score of 287 (+3). On another note, Franklin has been on quite a roll himself. He has asserted himself as the leader for this talented Sharks roster and backs it up with his impressive scoring. His last 5 rounds have all been under-par. The boys are hitting their stride and polishing their game, as they only have a months’ worth of matches ahead of them before playoffs. But this team is on pace to achieve their goal of a state championship, so don’t be surprised when you see the Sharks crowned as champions in November.

Pictured: Boys golf team after winning their match.