MONTICELLO – On a breezy Friday afternoon in the mid-60s, three Sullivan County programs took to The Monster at Resorts World, trading the classroom for one of the area’s most challenging and scenic courses.

When it was all said and done, Rockland led the way with a team score of 243 over nine holes, outpacing Monticello (279) and Liberty (306).

Rockland’s win was powered by a standout performance at the top of the scorecard, where Gavin Thomas and Ben Johnston each shot a 43 to share medalist honors. Johnston, coming off an All-Section basketball season where he earned First Team honors, showed just how well elite athleticism can translate across sports — and how different the mindset can be.

“This is way more relaxing than basketball,” Johnston said during the round. “You can just come out here, have fun with it, and not feel that same pressure.”

He added that his goal for the day was to shoot in the high 40s on what he described as a “big” course. Instead, Johnston exceeded that mark, matching Thomas shot-for-shot to claim co-medalist honors.

Thomas, a seasoned presence who has been on varsity since seventh grade, leaned on years of experience to stay consistent throughout.

“I’ve been playing since I was a kid with my dad,” Thomas said.

In talking about his teammate, Johnston didn’t hesitate.

“Gavin’s the best golfer on our team,” he said with a smile.

Friday’s result suggested the gap might not be quite so wide.

Monticello was led by Daniel Weyer, another First Team All-Section selection on the basketball court this past winter, who brought that same competitive edge to the course.

“I’m hoping to shoot in the high 40s today,” Weyer said midway through his round. “It’s my second year playing… this is more relaxing compared to basketball.”

By the end of the day, Weyer had done just that, carding a 48 while navigating the long fairways and tricky greens at The Monster — a course he knows well.

“I really enjoy it, especially when your home course is The Monster,” he added.

Also in the Monticello lineup was senior Sam Rein, who many in the area recognize for his success on the slopes. After finishing 11th in the state in downhill skiing, Rein picked up golf during his offseason and stepped in on Friday for a teammate.

“Honestly, my buddy Matteo got me into it,” Rein said, referring to teammate Matteo Vrancich. “I like the challenge.”

Rein finished with a 61 in his first match action of the season, showing flashes with several clean drives despite the learning curve.

Liberty was paced by Jake Cross, who posted a 52, followed by Tyler Smith (60) and Phillip Burris (61).

The Monster lived up to its reputation throughout the afternoon, challenging players with its length, rolling terrain, and shifting winds. Still, the match was defined as much by sportsmanship as it was by scoring, with players helping each other track down errant shots and keeping things light between swings.

Set against a backdrop of water features, tree-lined fairways, and pristine greens, it was a day where competition and camaraderie went hand in hand — and where Rockland came out on top.

Final Scores

 Rockland — 243 (Gavin Thomas 43, Ben Johnston 43, Garret 50, Liam 50, Logan Thomas 57)

 Monticello — 279 (Daniel Weyer 48, Matteo Vrancich 53, Ishaan Padhiar 53, Sam Rein 61, Chris Belgiovene 64)

 Liberty — 306 (Jake Cross 52, Tyler Smith 60, Phillip Burris 61, Cody Winters 65, Roger Lynker 68)