Manhasset’s Adam Xiao holds on to win Nassau golf title
Manhasset's Adam Xiao completes his swing during the Nassau High School boys individual golf championships at Bethpage State Park on May 25, 2016. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
After a sizzling round on Tuesday, Adam Xiao’s name topped the final leader board at the Nassau County boys golf championships on Wednesday. Don’t be surprised if you see it there again in the future.
The Manhasset freshman, who shot a 5-under-par 67 on Tuesday at Bethpage Blue, won the title with 2-over-par 144 over two days. Manhasset also won the team championship. Xiao shot a 7-over-par 77 Wednesday on Bethpage’s tougher Red course.
Roslyn’s David Goldstein shot a 72 on Wednesday to take second at 145 and Friends Academy’s Will Parker shot a 147 to come in third.
“I played lights-out [Tuesday],” Xiao said Wednesday. “Today was not as good of a day, but I just grinded it out.”
Xiao entered Wednesday with a five-stroke lead over Parker and Syosset’s Matt Catton, while Goldstein was six strokes back. After nine holes, Goldstein trailed Xiao by only two, after shooting a 1-under 34 on the front nine.
“It was a little scary the gap got that small in the end,” Xiao said. “David made two birdies on the last three holes. He fought hard.”
“He hung tough all the way through,” Manhasset coach Chuck Collyer said of Xiao. “Most freshmen wouldn’t be able to do that. He’s got a fantastic future in front of him.”
Xiao’s efforts also helped Manhasset land a berth in the Long Island Championship at Bethpage Black on June 1. Manhasset’s score of 772 edged reigning champion Friends Academy by four strokes, followed by Roslyn (783), Syosset (825), Port Washington (832), and Plainview (847).
“It was more important for the team than me,” Xiao said. “Honestly, I was just playing for the team these last few days, so it’s really nice.”
Chris Thompson, Joe Saphia, Max Kim, Biagio Raimondi and Matt Classi also contributed for Manhasset.
In addition to Xiao, Goldstein and Parker, South Side’s Ryan McCarthy (149), Wheatley’s Ted Lewis (149), Friends Academy’s Cole Vissichio (149), Bethpage’s Liam Miller (150), Great Neck’s Ray Gresalfi (151), Catton (152), and Roslyn’s Charlie Mitchell (152) qualified for the state tournament, which begins June 5 at Cornell University.
