As the 2023-2024 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School men’s varsity golf season begins, the team is back and finished their first match of the season on Thursday, Sept. 7, at Woodmont Country Club, after beating Coral Glades and Western High School.
Sophomore Josh Lieberman, senior Jayden Thuraisingham and junior Evan Mazenac all shot 38. Junior Carson Merideth shot 40. Also playing in the match were senior Ryan Shimony and senior Cameron Schuller.
Last season, the team had a near undefeated season. The Eagles finished the season with a high winning percentage, and back to back district champions. This was located at the Country Club of Coral Springs. The win qualified the Eagles to play in the regional championship, which took place at Boca Golf and Tennis Club.
Although the Eagles fell short at regionals, one player, Shimony, made it to the FHSAA Class 3A State Championship as an individual after shooting a 73 at the regional tournament. Due to a hurricane, the state championship was cut short to one day. He placed 36th by shooting a 77 at El Campeon Golf Course at Mission Inn.
During the week, the team has one to two practices per week varying based upon however many matches they have that week as well. These practices will be conducted every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday when there is not a match to be played.
In addition to the start of the season, MSD also welcomes back head coach Darren Levine, as the new, but returning, boys’ varsity golf coach. Levine coached MSD golf from 2009 to 2016, then retired for seven years and is now back. Although Levine was absent from the golf team, he still taught at MSD, as an English and Holocaust teacher, while being retired from coaching.
“I’m excited for the comeback of coaching, as well as the coaching environment,” Levine said. “I’m continuing to help the team win through regionals and states.”
Levine prepared himself as well as his team for the season, about to take on their first match. He feels the most important aspect on the golf course is the mental game.
“My hopes and goals are to make it deep into the playoffs, through regionals and to the states,” Levine said.
The athletes of the team are also excited and have been preparing for the upcoming golf season.
“I am feeling great and very confident in the team this season,” junior Evan Mazanec said. “Coach Levine is a great coach and is very organized and scheduled very competitive matches.”
MSD’s golf team is ready to welcome back Levine, and start this new season with him.
The golf team will have matches all throughout the fall, going from September through November. They are hoping to place high in districts and regionals to qualify for the state championship.
