A tournament player from age five, shooting under par by age 10, a junior world champion by age 12, and now a Seaholm varsity golfer. Freshman Francesco Ruffino is not your average freshman golfer.
Words like impressive, unbelievable, and insane came to mind when hearing upon these numbers.
“At first it was hard to notice his talent because we only were hitting balls at the range and putting,” said senior Mike Sarzynski. “That changed when we stepped out on to the course.”
A smooth fluid left handed swing, followed by a ball flying well over 250 yards is a consistent sight when Ruffino steps to the tee box. Getting the most from his wiry five foot, ten inch, 155 pound frame, he generates his large power through the near picture perfect swing. When he wants to draw a shot, it draws. When he wants the ball to fade, it fades.
With a controlling shot from driver to sand wedge, putting for Ruffino is seen as nothing incredible and is his weak point of his game.
Even more impressive is that Ruffino has yet to take a lesson for golf. When a golf club was first put it in his hand, Ruffiano’s natural ability needed no instruction.
Golfers for the team are optimistic for Ruffino and the entire program this year as they find themselves as a “solid” team that has a decent chance at a league title.
“I plan on beating Ruffino at least once on the course,” said senior Chad Ebling. “But really, we lost a few good golfers but also gained a few, so I think we have a chance of success this year.”
The team also returns star senior J.C. Wilhelm (38 average / 9 holes), juniors Chris Milliken (41), and Brad White (42), and a solid back bone of eight others to make this year’s varsity team.
Last year the team struggled in tournaments and match events, which led to their losing record. But each member took positives steps toward dropping their handicap.
In previous years, the team has been made up of those who earned their spot on the team and those who were guaranteed a spot.
This season, everyone earned their spot by shooting the right numbers to punch their ticket for the varsity squad.
Now the team and Ruffino must prove themselves as their season opens up against Lutheran High School Northwest, on April 15, 2010, at Springdale Golf Course.
For Ruffino, the pressure of being a freshman – a freshman expected to contribute, no less – on a varsity team isn’t new.
“I don’t really feel any pressure,” said Ruffino. “But, this is my first year on an actual team, and the team I feel is capable of a state title.”
Ruffino played for the Junior World Cup team at age 12, where he was part of the winning team. He posted a final round score of 69, three below par, at Pinehurst in North Carolina.
To put that in perspective, Angel Cabrera, 2009 PGA Tour Masters Championship winner shot a 71 in the final round to win the tournament.
In the past year, Ruffino participated in the Callaway World Junior Tournament, the same that Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson took part in at age 14, and placed 27th in the world.
Players and coaches share optimism for the team with high expectations for the entire season.
“We have a really young team for this season,” said Seaholm Head Coach Leon Braisted. “I am confident that we are going to win leagues and I’m predicting a top five finish in states.”
