McCarthy chooses wisely

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - A few months ago, Georgetown Prep sophomore Denny McCarthy had a difficult decision — play for the Little Hoyas summer basketball team or spend his time exclusively on the golf course.

At 5-foot-7 it wouldn’t seem to be much of a decision. But thanks to his keen eye from 3-point range, McCarthy has a future in hoops. Last winter, he was the top scorer on the Prep freshman team.

McCarthy opted for the great outdoors, however. And after a spectacular summer on the links, he’s not looking back.

Tuesday at Belle Haven Country Club, McCarthy dominated the 14-15 Division of the Bob Riley Junior Open. In winning by eight strokes, McCarthy (70-72 — 142) not only captured his age group. For the second straight year, he had the best score in the tournament, besting all the players in the 16-17 Division.

It was the second victory for McCarthy in less than a week. The Argyle Country Club member also shot an 8-under-par 72-68-68 — 208 to emerge from a field of 73 in an American Junior Golf Association event in Petersburg, Va.

McCarthy did it with a birdie binge on the back nine at the Country Club of Petersburg, making 13 on 27 holes, playing the back nine in 11-under.

“I think it’s all about the tee shot — the positioning,” said McCarthy, a 135-pounder who regularly hits drives 270 yards. “Hitting fairways is huge. When you get a comfortable yardage and you’re in the fairway, that pin suits your eye. Everything is just looking good to me right now.”

Most of all, his future in golf.

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