Congressional Newbies Storm the Links
Monday’s Roll Call Cup not only featured late drama, with Republicans retaining the trophy in a tie match, but also four freshman House members who can now tout their experience on the greens.
Democratic Reps. Patrick Murphy of Florida and Scott Peters of California and Republican Reps. Roger Williams of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida navigated through Columbia Country Club’s narrow trees and 6,500-yard plus terrain at Monday’s competition. All strong golfers, veteran golfer Dan Tate Sr. noted the skills of Murphy and DeSantis, in particular, on the course.
Murphy, who faced off against fellow freshman Williams in the 4-ball and alternate shot morning rounds, was unable to find his groove for much of the day. He was didn’t get to finish his practice round Sunday thanks to lightning, and he could not overcome the course that once hosted the 1921 U.S. Open.
Williams played well, garnering 1.5 points in the morning rounds for the Republicans. He lost his final 9-hole match play to Peters.
DeSantis, who played baseball while studying at Yale University, lost 2 points in the opening two nine hole rounds before bouncing back in the afternoon to steal a point from Rep. Albio Sires, D-N.J. in the final nine holes.