Xaverian High School continued its dominance in Massachusetts high school golf by securing both the Division 1 team and individual state championships on Monday at Wellesley Country Club. Junior Chris Morrow successfully defended his individual title in a dramatic three-way sudden-death playoff against senior teammates Michael McCormack and AJ Bodnar of St. John’s Prep.
After completing 18 holes with an even-par 71, Morrow, McCormack, and Bodnar were tied, prompting a playoff that tested their endurance and mental toughness over two additional holes. Morrow missed an initial chance to clinch the title on the first playoff hole but rebounded with a precise approach shot and a birdie on the second playoff hole to secure his second consecutive crown. McCormack finished as runner-up, matching Morrow's team as they led Xaverian to a 14-over-par team score of 298. This edged out St. John’s Prep, which finished second with 308, delivering Xaverian their eighth team championship and second straight title. Junior teammates Luke Edgar and Tucker Pierce also contributed scores of 75 and 81, respectively. Xaverian closed the season with a 14-2 record, including a decisive 10-stroke victory at the Cape Cod National High School Invitational and a seven-stroke win at the MIAA South Sectional.
At Franklin Country Club, Division 2 individual champion Patrick Maloney of Wakefield emerged after a tense four-hole playoff against Dover-Sherborn’s Jai Moulton. Maloney sealed the victory with a confident 4-foot putt on the par-3 fourth hole, a shot executed amid significant spectator attention. Maloney finished the tournament at 1-over 72. While Maloney and Wakefield initially believed they had won the team title, a corrected score revealed Norton had completed the round at 27-over 311, narrowly surpassing Wakefield’s 313. Norton's victory marked their first team championship in program history, following a successful season that included their first Tri-Valley League title since 1985 and a second sectional crown in three years. Led by a strong senior class, Norton’s roster featured sophomore Evan Caldwell, who tied for third individually at 73, alongside contributors Adam Caldwell, Griffin Clary, and Mason Ball.
Division 3 play at Stockbridge Golf Club saw Old Rochester Regional claim their second straight team title with a 31-over-par 315, nine strokes ahead of runner-up Triton’s 324. A frost delay delayed tee times by an hour, forcing Old Rochester to practice hitting shots into trees at a nearby park, which their coach credited as key to their successful preparation. The Bulldogs’ performance was bolstered by seniors Luke Pierre and Jack Czerkowicz, who finished with scores of 75 and 79 over the 6,204-yard course. The individual champion in Division 3 was Hopedale’s Colin Haynes, who recorded a 74.
The three state championships highlighted a rigorous day of competition featuring 13 teams and 97 golfers across divisions, showcasing the depth of high school golf talent in Massachusetts.