Broadneck’s Ben Coe Wins Maryland’s 4A/3A Golf Title

Broadneck High School’s Ben Coe was crowned the boys state champion in the 4A/3A Maryland high school golf tournament played at the University of Maryland Golf Course from October 27-29.

Coe shot two under par (140) over the two-day tournament. His score beat his nearest opponent by nine strokes.

“On the second day of the tournament, I knew I had the lead, and around the 12th hole I started to get extremely nervous,” Coe said. “But I just focused on those last six holes. It was a great feeling to win.”

Coe began playing golf at 12 years old and went with his dad to the U.S. Naval Academy Golf Course to hone his skills.

“My grandfather was a member of the Navy course and my dad plays a lot. Over the years, I learned a great deal about golf from them,” Coe said. “My dad and I were the winners of the recent father/son tournament at Navy.”

Coe has been part of the Bruins golf team since he was a freshman and has been elected team captain for the last two years.

“Ben is extremely important to the team,” said boys golf coach Devin Gardner. “He’s a great leader and is always prepared and displays a calm demeanor when he’s on the course, which helps his teammates stay relaxed and positive.”

Coe’s game has improved since his freshman year as he gained physical strength and elevated his mental preparation.

“Just by enhancing my core strength, I’ve added 10-15 yards on my drive,” said Coe, who can hit tee shots 300 yards. “But my strength is my short game as well as my putting. I have confidence in my putter.”

Coe is Broadneck’s first state champion in golf and hopes to continue playing golf in college.

Broadneck’s golf team finished third overall in the tournament with a foursome that included Coe, James Jonker, Michael Peterson and Matt Harada. Jonker placed fifth individually in the contest.

Severna Park Golfer Places Second

Severna Park’s Nicol Chovanec finished second in the girls’ 4A/3A division during the championship.

Chovanec was also captain of her team and her teammates counted on her leadership skills and positive energy during matches.

“Nobody works harder than Nicol,” said the Falcons’ girls head coach, Josh Dean. “She’s very passionate about her game and she is one of the better golfers in the county, and that includes boys and girls.”

Chovanec was four over par on the first day of the tournament but came back sizzling on the second day to play par golf and recorded a 146 for the tournament.

“The conditions of those two days were cold and windy,” Chovanec said. “I was placed in the first foursome of girls, so I was competing against the best female high school golfers in the state. I was nervous at first but settled down and became very consistent the second day.”

Chovanec made the state tournament all four years of her high school career and is strong in all phases of her game.

“Her toolbox is full,” said Dean, referring to Chovanec’s all-around skill set. “Nicol believes in herself, and I never had to worry about her during matches because of her mental approach to the game.”

Chovanec also works at the Severna Park Golf Center and will hopefully play golf in college. She would like to major in physical therapy.

“I try to be very positive when I’m competing,” Chovanec said. “I try to break down the 18 holes into three holes at a time. If I have a bad hole, I refocus and improve on the next hole or the next group of three holes.”