Newsday's All-Long Island boys golf team 2025 - Newsday
When the pressure was high, Zach Berger’s putter never cooled.
The Westhampton junior’s clutch putting and steady play earned him a tie for fifth at the state boys golf championship for his second straight top 10 finish at states. Berger opened with a blazing 69 and followed with a solid 74 on the tough Mill Creek Golf Club course in Churchville.
“On Sunday, my putter was hot,” Berger said. “Four straight up-and-downs on the back nine really kept me in it. Even if I missed a chip, I could make the putt and save par.”
Zach Berger of Westhampton Beach. Credit: Dawn McCormick
That strong finish capped a dominant year. Berger, who has qualified for states three years in a row, broke through in the fall with his first county title. He shot 7-under across two days at Pine Hills Golf and Country Club in Manorville to win the Suffolk individual championship after placing third the year before.
Now, he’s Newsday’s Golfer of the Year.
“I’ve built more confidence and belief in myself since ninth grade,” he said.
Berger’s success goes beyond the greens. His accuracy off the tee helped him avoid hazards and stay in control all season. He’s verbally committed to play at Loyola University in Maryland after next season.
Coach Fred Musumeci praised Berger’s mental toughness and ability to grind through adversity.
“He’s mentally tough. He competes. He grinds. That’s where he shines,” Musumeci said. “No doubt he’s going to win next year."
Boron fired a 1-over-par 72 to finish second at the state CHSAA championship at James Baird State Park Golf Course. He also tied for second at the NSCHSAA tournament.
The senior shot a 1-under-par 36 to lead Northport past Mount Sinai in the Suffolk team championship. Douglas finished fourth at the county championship with a 152.
Jessop finished second behind teammate Berger at the county championship, posting a 3-over-par 149.
Maltese finished third at the state CHSAA championship with a par 73.
Nevin shot 1-under-par 71 on Bethpage Green and 2-under 68 on Bethpage Red to finish 3-under 139 and claim the Nassau championship.
The eighth grader impressed with a second-place finish at the Nassau championship, shooting a 1-under-par 141.
Zhao finished third at the Nassau championship with a 6-over-par 148.
Cascone guided Northport to its first Suffolk team title since 2017, upsetting top-seeded and undefeated Westhampton and dominating Mount Sinai in the final.
