AVIDGOLFER

Girl Wins Boys Tournament But Isn’t Declared Winner–Because She’s A Girl

Rick Arnett /

I honestly don’t know what to do or think when boys and girls compete together. On one hand, society says males would never get to declare victory over their female peers due to the “stronger, bigger, faster, etc.” comparisons. If a female happens to win though, its hailed as a kickass performance. Meaning, if you want both scenarios to matter, why have different contests segregated by gender? Because, as males mature, they, typically beat their female counterparts due to the stronger, bigger, faster trifecta.

Well, a girl did beat a field of boys recently, but the incumbent rules prohibiting naming her the individual winner as a team competition participant–causing immediate swift reaction.

“It was complete garbage,” said Dave Kocur, Pro Shop Manager. “She played the same tees, played under the same conditions and everything.”

The situation arose when schoolgirl Emily Nash soundly beat her male competitors in a high school team format by four strokes. Pretty cool and good for her. Except, a Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association ruling states that girls who play on fall boys’ sports teams aren’t eligible to compete in individual championships.

Emily and her coach were made aware of the rule before the tournament started. Lunenburg didn’t qualify for next week’s state tournament, which means Emily’s season is over. However, she is eligible to play for the school’s girls’ team — and in the state’s girls’ individual events — in the spring. Last year, she finished third in her section and fourth in the state tournament.

Nico Ciolino, who officially finished first place on Tuesday, offered his first-place trophy to Nash, but she didn’t take it. And tournament director Kevin Riordan says he plans to purchase a special trophy for Nash.

What is great about golf is legitimate low score wins. Every time. No matter who posts it. Thus, I’d give her the win and change the Massachusetts ruling.

As one commenter posted, the only sport where males and females compete on the same level playing field is horse racing. Don’t forget auto racing. Sports fans love it when an underdog wins. Maybe its time to blur the boundaries.

But be careful what you wish for. Because, if guys are allowed to compete against the ladies and regularly win, who benefits?

Golf rules Growing the game