Junior golfer Luke Fazio had an absolutely stunning 2021 season. His incredible play led the Rams to a Pioneer Athletic Conference championship, District One Tournament appearances, and a state tournament berth.

Fazio was the lead golfer among the terrific eight-man lineup that featured seven reaching the Districts.

Fazio’s ability was shown straight out of the gates, when he posted his best score early with a 34 against Pottsgrove at his favorite course, Turtle Creek. Already in the first match of the season, Fazio showed the competition what he was capable of.

As the year progressed and the Rams kept winning, Fazio was locked in on achieving greatness for himself but more importantly on winning for the team. Coach Gerald Hollingsworth always made sure to have Fazio and senior Robbie McNelly tee off first in team play, and this led the Rams to a perfect 10-0 record, helping the Rams to eventually face off against a tough OJR team for the PAC championship.

Powered by consistent scores from top to bottom, including Fazio’s 37 at Gilbertsville Golf Course, the Rams narrowly defeated the Wildcats 190-191 for their first championship in several years.
Individually, Fazio continued to prove his dominance. His 73 in Gilbertsville marked him first for the individual PAC Championship and clearly established a spot in districts. Districts allowed Fazio to play back home at Turtle Creek, where despite some miscues and higher-than-usual scores, he still made the cut to move on to the second round with a 76. He then later sank a putt for a 73 to qualify for states with a stroke to spare.

Moving on to States at Heritage Hills, Fazio was nervous but remained level-headed and played his game. However he “got beat by a bad day and knows (he has) more to give.” His 80 did not amount to a top finish, but nevertheless Fazio’s season was incredible and reaching this tournament was a feat to begin with.

Now having had experience in big matches, Fazio is ready to achieve more in his senior season. Fazio says he expects for his overall game to get better with more achievements because he has a newfound confidence.

“I try to be confident with my stroke over a putt,” Fazio said. “Even if I miss it, at least I can say I had a good, confident stroke. If I make it, I like to stay level-headed and focus on the next shot.”

He also credits his ability to play both aggressive and safe in order to perform at his highest level.

“If I am feeling good about where I am during the round, I go for a more aggressive shot,” Fazio said. “ If I am not as confident I will go with a more conservative shot.”

This offseason will see Fazio continue to separate himself from the competition and further establish himself as one of the state’s top golfers. Fazio has a very strict work ethic, as he practiced his game every day by going to Turtle Creek or Spring-Ford Country Club. In his free time Fazio even watches golf matches and highlights of his favorite player, Tiger Woods.

This hard work is clearly evident in his performance. He taught himself every little detail on having a beautiful swing he does now by practicing and studying film. He also says his swing has carried over from his youth baseball career, noting “some people say baseball doesn’t help your swing in golf, but it really does.”

Altogether Fazio is already stoked for his senior season. He prioritizes the team’s success next fall but surely wishes to play at his peak performance to win a state championship and play collegiate golf.