The New York State Public High School Athletic Association boys’ golf tournament will return after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That has prevented Newburgh Free Academy’s Mark Yan from advancing after he won the Goldbacks’ first Section 9 golf championship since 1975. He would have gone to states last year with his younger brother, Josh, then a seventh grader, who finished in second place.

This year, the Yan brothers look to make history again as Mark looks to repeat as Section 9 champion and go to states with his brother when the season is over.

Newburgh coach Jim Nee, in his 20th year coaching the team, said he believes the Yan brothers’ story is one of the best in the area.

“The Yan brothers should have another great season and postseason,” Nee said. “Mark has been hurt by the state tournament begin canceled two straight years, so he is ready to compete at the highest level of the state this year.”

And the next two years as Mark Yan would have another two years of golf beyond this one and Josh will have another four. Also returning will be junior Kevin Novella.

The Goldbacks also will have seven new golfers on the team this year, and Nee is hoping the Goldbacks will have a team record over .500, while integrating the younger players to get experience.

The Goldbacks will open the season on the road against Beacon and will host the Washingtonville Wizards at the Powelton Club on April 18 for their home opener.

Girls Golf

The girls’ team also had a strong season last year, posting a 9-1 overall record, but a big part of that success – Hannah Cestaro, who finished third at the Section 9 championships last season – has graduated from the team.

The Goldbacks will return Reagan Roth, who took seventh at last year’s Section 9 championship meet.
In addition to matching last year’s success, coach Dave Doulin said the team’s goal is get one or two more sectional qualifiers this year.

“We have a good mix of upper class and freshmen on the team,” Doulin said. “We are building team depth to compete against the rest of Section 9.”