Upper School Golf

Christian Heritage Academy Golf had an exciting fall season. All glory to God for the successful run! The 2023 CHA golf team grew to two players this year with the addition of Freshman golfer Matty Chiong. Mostly recovered from breaking his wrist in late April, Junior Micah Chiong staged a comeback with clear plans to return to the State Finals after getting a first taste of the experience when he competed in the State Finals his Freshman year. Micah and Matty prepared daily by sharpening their games through hours of daily practice sessions, practice rounds, and playing against local peers to keep their games focused.

The 2023 1A IHSA Regionals were held this year at the Golf Club of Illinois in Huntley. Micah came in as the #2 individual, 4th overall, with a score of a 77. Playing in the second most competitive group with three upperclassmen, one of whom won Regionals, Matty made two birdies during the round, one a chip in from the rough! Though he missed the cut by only one stroke with his final score of 82, Matty gained a ton of experience in his first IHSA State Series experience.

At Sectionals, held at the Kankakee Elks Golf Club, Micah played an almost flawless round, which featured an eagle, a birdie, and 12 pars, placing his 73 one stroke away from winning the Sectional. While he would not have chosen to miss nearly the entire summer golf season to rehab his wrist, the Lord redeemed the time as he grew Micah in  wisdom, self-control, and golf IQ. This was apparent in the Christ-like conduct and positive self-talk that Micah exhibited throughout this round.

Conditions were rough for the State Final Qualifier with 50s, sun, clouds, rain, 28 mph winds plus stronger gusts, and then a little more sun. Micah steadily attacked the course hole by hole and turned in a solid round of 76, positioning him to play with the final group for the State Final the next day.

Facing tough competition, paired with the three who would end up in first and tied for second, Micah persevered through 18 holes in the State Final with focus and tenacity despite not catching many breaks and pulling off a few great recoveries to save pars. Micah finished as the #8 individual and tied for 15th overall out of the 113 1A State Finalists and over 1200 1A boys who began at Regionals from across Illinois.

Throughout the State Series, Micah and Matty have been covered in prayer and encouragement by many, both within the CHA community and from competing teams, coaches, and spectators. Praise God for providing the opportunity for these Lions to compete and represent Christian Heritage Academy in the 2023 IHSA 1A Boys Golf State Series!