By: Sean Richards
Although the South Brunswick High golf team has good depth this year and is getting contributions from many players, it’s the No. 1 guy in the lineup who is expected to lead the way.
On this front the Vikings are in very good shape with Rich Stewart, a talented junior who has shown steady development over the last two years to emerge as the No. 1 for one of the better teams in Middlesex County.
Stewart, who started playing golf in the sixth grade, is averaging roughly six over par for nine holes. He’s also doing a good job of holding his own against some of the best scholastic golfers in the county.
"It’s all right," said Stewart of playing in the No. 1 hole. "I guess there is some added pressure, but all you can do is play your own game."
So far, Stewart’s game has been pretty solid in a couple of areas.
"My driving and putting have been good, but it’s the irons that I need to work on," said Stewart. "It’s getting better, but I need to be more consistent in that area. I’ve hit the ball well at times, but not consistently enough."
Stewart first got his start in golf from his grandfather, Arnie. His brother, Ryan, was also on the South Brunswick team for three seasons before heading to the Choate Prep School in Connecticut to play ice hockey.
Rich Stewart also plays ice hockey and has been a three-year starter for South Brunswick on defense, but golf appears to be where his future is headed.
"Playing golf in college would be great, but for that to happen I need to keep getting better," said Stewart. "I played in a couple of tournaments last summer and plan on continuing to do that this year."
Stewart recently shot an 82 as South Brunswick finished 14th out of 20 teams in a tough tournament at the Cherry Valley Country Club.
Along with his teammates, he’s looking for better showings in the near future with sectionals and the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament on the horizon.

