Cole Anderson of Camden Hills gave an indication of his talent when he was Maine’s top player at the New England Junior Championships in August. Anderson continued his strong play in his first year of high school competition, winning the Class A individual title with a 72 in October.
Anderson, a freshman, is our boys’ golfer of the year. He finished the season with an 8-1-1 match record and a scoring average around par. Anderson, 15, started his round at Natanis with birdies on the first three holes and four of the first five holes.
In the team championship the week before, Anderson shot a 75. He was 14 years old during the golf season.
“I was definitely satisfied with my first season,” said Anderson. “I played consistently well and had a lot of good days. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my high school career than winning the individual title. I wished we could have won the team championship, too, but that’s something to shoot for in the next three years.”
Anderson putted well in both championships after a stretch during the regular season where he struggled.
“I went through a stretch where I putted poorly,” he said.
Anderson solved the problem with extra work on the putting greens and remembering the way he putted during the summer.
“I hit it pretty well most of the season,” he said.
Anderson said his most competitive matches were against Messalonskee’s Billy Rollins.
“We tied once, he beat me once, and I beat him once,” said Anderson.
Anderson works on his game pretty much year round, but still finds time to play baseball in the spring. That affords him a little break from golf. When he puts the glove and bat away in favor of the golf clubs, he’s rejuvenated and ready to go.
During the holiday season, Anderson is able to get away to Florida – where his grandparents live – and play some tournament golf.
“I’m looking to play in four or five tournaments down there,” he said. “There are some on the Canadian Junior Golf Association and a few American Junior Golf Association events. I go down for Christmas every year.”
Camden Hills Coach Paul McDonald said Anderson has strong character and the right perspective on the game.
“Cole puts the game in proper perspective,” said McDonald. “I can’t say enough about his character. For a 14-year old freshman to come from junior high and have the year he had was pretty amazing.
“Cole has a very seasoned game. He has excellent course management. He’s the type of player who comes along once in a coach’s career. It’s going to be fun to watch him for the next three years.”
Anderson said he started playing when he was 10.
“I went out with my dad and a couple of friends. I started playing for the middle school team and was hooked,” he said.
Now, Anderson is a member of the Samoset Resort. His instructor is Jeff Seavey of Samoset, one of the top players on the New England PGA circuit.
“I usually go to the course early and stay all day,” said Anderson.
By next summer or the summer after that, Anderson said his goal is to become one of the top players in New England.
Sunday Telegram All-State Team
Cole Anderson, Camden Hills freshman: Anderson, the Maine Sunday Telegram boys’ golfer of the year, captured the Class A individual title by shooting a 72 at Natanis Golf Course. He shot a 75 in the team championship a week before.
Ryan Collins, Cape Elizabeth sophomore: Collins shot a 74 to tie for the Class B individual title. He shot an 81 a week earlier as the Capers won the Class B state title.
Ryan Dee, Houlton senior: Dee finished second in Class C with a 78, a week after shooting a 77 to help the Shiretowners finish fourth in the team tournament.
Eric Dugas, Maine Central Institute junior: Dugas shot a 76 in the Class B team meet to help the Huskies finish third, then tied for third in the individual championship with a 77.
Drew Kane, Scarborough senior: Kane shot a 76 to place fifth in the Class A individual tournament. A week earlier he had a 78 to help the Red Storm place fifth in the team championship. He’s a repeat All-State selection.
Nick Mazurek, Oceanside senior: Mazurek, a two-time All-State selection, tied for first in the Class B individual tournament with a 74. A year ago he tied for first in the Class A tournament. Mazurek is also an outstanding basketball and baseball player.
Bailey Plourde, Lincoln Academy junior: Plourde is the Maine Sunday Telegram girls’ golfer of the year. She played No. 1 for the Eagles and captured the girls’ state title with a 70.
Hashilla Rivai, Thornton Academy senior: Rivai, a repeat All-State pick, won the schoolgirl title as a junior and was third this year. She was the team’s No. 1 player the last two years. She will play golf at Purdue.
Billy Rollins, Messalonskee senior: Rollins shot a 75 to finish third in the Class A individual tournament. He had a 39.5 stroke average during the season and was the No. 1 player for the Eagles the last three years.
Logan Thompson, Mattanawcook sophomore: Thompson captured the Class C individual title for the second straight year, shooting a 77. A week earlier he shot a 78 to help the Lynx win the Class C team title. He is a repeat All-State selection.
Coach of the Year
Jeff Camire, Thornton Academy: Camire guided the Golden Trojans to their first Class A state title since 2009.
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