Monsignor Edward Pace High School senior Mattias Wettergren and junior John Hopkins played in the Class 1A Region 8 tournament at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne on October 20. Wettergren, Hopkins, and their teammates Ethan Smart, Michelle Garcia-Cordero, and Michelangelo Gallo were coached by former PGA Tour player Manny Zerman to the district tournament in October.
This successful season for Pace Golf comes after the program returned following a several-year hiatus. Wettergren and Hopkins scored a 78 and 75 respectively to advance from districts. At regionals, Wettegren came within 2 strokes of making it to states with a score of 81 while Hopkins came within 3 strokes with a score of 82.
“Zerman was the best thing that could have happened to the team,” said Hopkins. He cited Zerman’s experience playing on the PGA Tour helped him to “focus and stay positive” when playing.
Wettergren had been excited for the return of the school’s golf program, after having played on the team his freshman year. He said, “I was excited to have been a part of the team and the other players were like brothers to us.”
Wettergren plans on playing collegiate golf once he graduates from Pace.