Nick Rabeni, representing the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School golf team, faced off against some of the best golfers in Massachusetts at the State Championships on Monday, capping off an impressive run.
The Vineyard senior finished tied for 44th out of 103 golfers, shooting an 81 on the challenging Berkshire Hills Country Club Course, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
“Overall I think the day was successful and It was a great experience to have,” he said. “The course was beautiful, and I played alongside some great golfers. It’s something I’ll remember for a long time.”
Rabeni started on hole 16 due to the shotgun start, playing bogey-par golf through the majority of the round. However, Rabeni’s game improved just before his back nine, which the golfer said is common for his style of game. On hole 10, a par five, Rabeni sunk a 20 foot putt to make a birdie, giving him some momentum. He claimed another birdie immediately after on hole 11.
“I was two over going into the back nine, so those birdies on 10 and 11 were really motivating,” Rabeni said. “Without them, my round would’ve looked a lot different.”
Despite the heat, long distance to travel, and immense pressure, Rabeni embraced the experience and appreciated the opportunity to compete at such a high level.
Rabeni’’s journey to the state match started with his qualification in the Division 2 South Section Invitational, played at Segregansett Country Club in Taunton Massachusetts last Wednesday where he also shot an 81 to secure 8th out of 100 golfers from the southeast region of of the state, securing his position in the state match.
Rabeni’s teammate, Jacoby Light, had also qualified for the Division 2 South Section Invitational. Light also played well, finishing 16th with an 84, but just narrowly missed out of the top 10 spot needed to qualify for the state finals.
Rabeni’s qualifying round originally got off to a rough start, which Head Coach Henry Smith noted was something they had been working on. But the senior locked in for the final stretch, playing the last six holes two strokes under par to secure his qualifying position.
“Rabeni really figured out this season how to buckle down mentally and keep his composure through 18 holes of golf, which isn’t easy,” said coach Smith.
“The qualifier match was a little shocking for me,” said Rabeni. “I started 6 over par after 4 holes, which is a really rough start, but I got comfortable as the game went on. I took it one hole at a time and slowly started catching a little bit of fire.”
Rabeni, his father Anthony, and coach Smith plan to leave Sunday morning to play a practice round at Berkshire Hills Country Club to familiarize themselves with the course ahead of Monday’s championship.
“I am really excited,” said Rabeni. “I’ve been working hard these past few days to regroup, talking with my coach and a few guys I look up to, getting prepared.”
As the first golfer for the Vineyard to qualify for an individual State Final in years; Rabeni hopes to inspire the future of the program.
“I’m excited to be a motivator for the younger guys. I hope they learn to be eager to be the best they can,” said Rabeni.
Congratulations Nick! We’ll be rooting for you.
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