The top boys’ high school golfers from Monmouth and Ocean counties converged on Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson Thursday for the 21st Housen-Ruch All-Star Challenge, a unique Ryder Cup-style format over Metedeconk’s three 9-hole courses.
In a solid performance, it was Team Handchen, named in honor of longtime Brick athletic director Hank Handchen, emerging with an 7.5-5.5 victory over Team Mischler, named in honor of former Neptune golf coach Walt Mischler.
CBA senior Joey Giamano helped earn a point in all three of his matches to lead the way for Team Handchen.
Entered the day-ending singles matches with a 3.5-2.5 advantage, Team Handchen’s Giamanco, Paul Ularich of Freehold, Richard Reck of Middletown South and Pat Lacey of Wall securing points with head-to-head wins to secure the victory.
The season-ending event is the brainchild of former Ocean golf coach Dave Ruch, giving the area’s top high school players one final chance to showcase their talents.
In the morning best ball competition, it was Team Handchen gabbing a quick 2-1 advantage, as Giamanco and Lacey’s Matt Dolan picked up a point, along with Brick Derek Nahrwold and Wall’s Pat Scenna.
Team Handchen maintained its advantage early in the afternoon during the alternate shot matches. Gianmanco and Ularich won their match, while Scenna and Dolan picked up a half-point.