, September 1, 2025
News Summary
As the weather warms up, high school golf programs are readying themselves for a competitive season filled with promising talent. Teams like Ayer Shirley, Chelmsford, and others are gearing up with a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Key athletes such as Reid Ohanesian and Jacob Carlson are returning, ensuring that the competition will be intense. Coaches are focusing on player development and strategic match play, leading to an exciting season ahead with plenty of close matches and potential surprises from up-and-coming players.
Ayer — Rising Stars in High School Golf: Area Teams Gear Up for Competitive Season
The air is warming up and so are the golf swings across the area. High school golf programs are lining up their tee times, polishing clubs and counting on a mix of seasoned sharpshooters and hungry newcomers to chase trophies this season. Talent is stacked at the top and depth is spreading through rosters, making for a season that promises drama, tight scores and plenty to watch.
Big names, bigger expectations
At the center of the buzz are two familiar faces returning to the links: Reid Ohanesian of Ayer Shirley and Jacob Carlson of Chelmsford, who shared the region’s Co-Player of the Year honors last fall. Both teams are expected to be major players, and both bring a mix of veteran leadership and fresh faces ready to make an impact.
Ayer Shirley: Reigning champions ready to defend
Ayer Shirley arrives as the reigning Division 3 state champions, and they aren’t shy about carrying that weight. The squad finished last season at 15-3 and returns senior captain Reid Ohanesian, who also won the individual Division 3 state medalist title with a 3-over 75 at Foxborough Country Club. His performance included five birdies, and the team posted a winning score of 331 in the state final, well clear of Monomoy at 339 and Weston at 341.
Returning letterwinners include junior Jason Turner, senior Troy Leighton, and junior Aadi Patel. The Tigers also welcome promising newcomers like senior Tyler Trask and juniors Josh Bly, Dylan Gibbons and Sean Partridge. Coach Peter Gubellini, in his 12th season, is setting high expectations while urging a steady approach that focuses on taking each match as it comes.
Chelmsford: Loaded roster, ready for MVC Division 1
Chelmsford is coming off what the records show as a solid campaign and will be battling in the tough MVC Division 1 conference alongside defending league kingpins Central Catholic. There are mixed figures floating for last season’s exact record, but the constant is the depth and youth in the program. One report lists a 9-8-1 finish with four junior captains — Jake Cataldo, Colin Kennedy, Justin Pappalardo and Jason Giordano — while another line shows a strong 12-2 tally with senior leaders also noted on the roster. Regardless, talent is clear.
Chelmsford brings back a long list of letterwinners, including juniors Robby Marrigan, Guytano Lombardo, Zac Normant, Logan Sheahan, Caleb Silverstein, Cam Smith, and sophomores Logan Murphy, Ryan Quin, Andrew Quin and Cameron Smith. Fresh legs include sophomores Joe Gallagher, Liam O’Boyle, Liam Anderson, freshman Michael Pappalardo, and even two eighth-graders — Jack Egan and Ben Shannon — who could shake things up. Veteran coach Joel Jenkins enters his 21st season with a clear mission: steady improvement across the board as the calendar turns toward the big matches.
Other teams to watch
A number of other programs have momentum and returning talent that makes them contenders in conference and state play. Groton‑Dunstable returns rising star Robert Flynn. Lowell will lean on Matthew Casey. Shawsheen Tech is a program that just keeps rolling, boasting an eye-popping 20 straight league championships and returning talent led by Max Carpenter. Westford Academy fields two all-star returners in Peter Li and Maddie Smith, and is expected to be a steady force.
Other solid teams like North Middlesex and those cluster of MVC schools will push daily in practice and matches. Coaches across the area are stressing player development, smart course management and the kind of short-game touch that wins tournaments when scores are tight.
What to expect this season
Look for tight team scores, low round fireworks from the top players and freshmen or sophomores who surprise. The mix of experienced captains and a wave of newcomers will create roster battles and lots of movement in lineups. Expect the favorites to face early tests against conference rivals and for a few dark-horse squads to upset the order.
Why this season matters
Beyond trophies and league titles, this season is about growth. Coaches are focused on developing players who can win one hole at a time, and programs are investing in depth so they can weather absences and tough course conditions. For fans, that means more close matches and a real chance to see future college players honing their craft.
FAQ
A: The season typically begins in late summer or early fall with regular matches through the fall and postseason play wrapping up in the late fall.
A: Keep an eye on Reid Ohanesian (Ayer Shirley) and Jacob Carlson (Chelmsford), along with returning Sun All-Stars Robert Flynn, Matthew Casey, Max Carpenter, Peter Li and Maddie Smith.
A: Ayer Shirley (reigning Division 3 champion), Shawsheen Tech (long streak of league titles), Chelmsford, Groton‑Dunstable and Westford Academy are all teams to watch.
A: Very important. Many teams count on sophomores, freshmen and even 8th graders to boost depth; those players often become key contributors by midseason.
A: Coaches emphasize steady improvement, smart match-by-match focus, player development and course management—especially on the short game.
Quick Reference Table: Teams, Coaches and Key Players
| Team | Coach (Seasons) | Last Season Record | Key Returners | Notable Newcomers | Captains |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayer Shirley | Peter Gubellini (12th) | 15-3 | Reid Ohanesian, Jason Turner, Troy Leighton, Aadi Patel | Tyler Trask, Josh Bly, Dylan Gibbons, Sean Partridge | Reid Ohanesian (senior) |
| Chelmsford | Joel Jenkins (21st) | Reported as 9-8-1 (also noted as 12-2) | Jacob Carlson, Robby Marrigan, Guytano Lombardo, Zac Normant, Logan Sheahan, Caleb Silverstein, Cam Smith | Joe Gallagher, Liam O’Boyle, Michael Pappalardo, Liam Anderson, Jack Egan (8th), Ben Shannon (8th) | Jake Cataldo; other captains listed at times include Jacob Carlson and senior leaders |
| Groton‑Dunstable | — | — | Robert Flynn | — | — |
| Shawsheen Tech | — | — | Max Carpenter | — | — |
| Westford Academy | — | — | Peter Li, Maddie Smith | — | — |
The season ahead is set. Keep your scorecards ready, watch for big rounds from established stars and expect a few underclassmen to force their way into lineups. It’s shaping up to be the kind of season where every match matters and where the margins will be measured in single putts and smart choices off the tee.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Massachusetts High School Sports Season Kicks Off with Golf
Pelham’s Local Sports Updates: New Coaches and Golf Events
Ayer Shirley Regional Wins First MIAA Division 3 Golf Title
High School Golf Season Returns in Eastern Massachusetts
Westwood High School Senior Patrick Dalton’s Winning Streak
Lakeside Lutheran and Neighbors Compete at Cougar Invite
Peabody Tanners Bounce Back with Strong Victory
Hopkins Academy Golf Team Opens Season with Victory
Local Golf Scene Kicks Off with Tri-Match Action
Lakeside Lutheran Battles Through the Heat at Clinton Cougar Invite
Additional Resources
- Lowell Sun: The Sun’s 2025 High School Golf Preview
- Telegram: State Golf Roundup – Ayer Shirley Takes D3 State Title
- MassLive: Reid Ohanesian Leads Ayer Shirley to Div III State Title
- Boston Globe: Ayer Shirley Claims Division 3 State Golf Title
- Telegram: Sectional Golf – Ayer Shirley and Nashoba Take Titles
- Wikipedia: High School Golf
- Google Search: High School Golf News
- Google Scholar: High School Golf
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Golf
- Google News: High School Golf
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
