When Lehigh University's men’s golf squad clinched the Presidents Cup for the fifth straight year, the relief was palpable across the fairways of Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, New Jersey. The drama unfolded on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as the Mountain Hawks eked out a 10‑10 tie against Lafayette College, but a clutch 1‑up win by first‑year sophomore Noah Zyung gave Lehigh the 10‑point threshold needed to retain the cup. The outcome not only extended Lehigh’s dominance in this storied rivalry but also set the tone for the upcoming Patriot League Championship slated for April 25‑27, 2025.
Background of the Presidents Cup Rivalry
The Presidents Cup is the marquee duel between Lehigh and Lafayette each spring, a tradition that dates back to 1994. Held at a neutral venue, the event pits the two Patriot League powerhouses in a multi‑format showdown—better‑ball, alternate‑shot, then singles. The defending champion must reach a 10‑point mark to keep the trophy, a rule that adds a strategic twist when the match ends in a tie. Over the past four years, Lehigh has held the cup, but each contest has been a nail‑biter, reflecting how evenly matched the programs have become.
Match Format and Day‑by‑Day Breakdown
Saturday’s competition unfolded in three phases:
- Better‑ball (four‑ball) – Lehigh surged ahead, winning four of the five matches (4‑1). Sophomore duo Charles Schrohe and Matt Quinn combined for a decisive victory, while seniors Jahan Bains and Aidan Oehrle each secured a half‑point. Junior partners Jake Roth and Will Caronchi added the final win, giving the Mountain Hawks a comfortable early lead.
- Alternate‑shot – Lafayette rallied, flipping the score to 5.5‑4.5 in their favor by taking four out of five matches. The only bright spot for Lehigh was the halved match by first‑year Luke Block and junior Paulius Malcius, who held their own against Lafayette’s Michael Bell and Michael DiNapoli.
- Singles – With the cup on the line, the final 12 individual matches became a seesaw. Lehigh posted a 4‑3‑3 record, exactly the margin needed to reach ten points overall.
The singles phase featured a string of close finishes. Notably, Noah Zyung edged out Lafayette’s Winston Kelenc‑Blank 1‑up in the sixth match, a win that pushed Lehigh over the crucial threshold.
Key Performances and Turning Points
While the team format set the stage, a handful of individual feats stole the spotlight:
- Noah Zyung – The freshman’s 1‑up win was the decisive point, earning him immediate hero status on campus.
- Aiden LeBlanc – Delivered a dominant 7 & 6 victory over Lafayette’s Harry Dessel, padding Lehigh’s singles tally.
- Quint Dingledine (Lafayette) – Narrowly beat Lehigh’s Jake Roth 1‑up, keeping the rivalry alive.
- Luke Block & Paulius Malcius – Their half‑point in the alternate‑shot format prevented a larger deficit heading into singles.
Coach Mike Hennessey of Lehigh summed it up: “Our guys showed resilience after the alternate‑shot swing. Noah’s win was the spark we needed, and the seniors kept us steady” (quoted after the match). Lafayette’s coach Tom D’Angelo added, “We fought hard and deserved the tie, but Lehigh’s depth in singles made the difference.”
Reactions from Players and Fans
Fans from both schools lined the fairways, chanting and waving banners. After the final putt, Lehigh supporters erupted, while Lafayette’s crowd gave a respectful applause—a testament to the mutual respect that frames this rivalry.
“I felt the pressure every time I walked up to the tee,” said senior Aidan Oehrle. “Knowing we were defending the cup made every shot feel bigger.” On the Lafayette side, sophomore Michael Bell reflected, “We’ll take the tie as a sign we’re closing the gap. Next year, we aim to bring it home.”
What’s Next for Lehigh and Lafayette?
Both squads now shift focus to the Patriot League Championship at the end of April. Lehigh hopes to translate its Presidents Cup momentum into a conference title, while Lafayette plans to tweak its alternate‑shot strategy—an area that cost them dearly on Tuesday.
As the season heads toward NCAA tournament selection, the performances at Hamilton Farm will be a key metric for the selection committee. Lehigh’s strong singles depth and Lafayette’s resilience could both earn at‑large bids, depending on how the championship play unfolds.
Key Facts
- Event: Presidents Cup (Lehigh vs. Lafayette)
- Date: April 22, 2025
- Venue: Hamilton Farm Golf Club, Gladstone, NJ
- Final Score: 10‑10 tie; Lehigh reaches 10 points to retain cup
- Crucial Singles Win: Noah Zyung, 1‑up
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lehigh’s victory affect its chances in the Patriot League Championship?
Securing the Presidents Cup boosts Lehigh’s confidence and proves its depth in singles—an advantage heading into the Patriot League Championship (April 25‑27). The win also adds a point to their overall season tally, strengthening their resume for potential NCAA at‑large selection.
What were the main reasons Lafayette fell short despite a strong alternate‑shot performance?
Lafayette excelled in the alternate‑shot format, turning a 5.5‑4.5 lead. However, they couldn’t sustain that momentum in singles, losing four of the 12 matches. The slight edge Lehigh’s seniors and underclassmen showed in the final head‑to‑head holes proved decisive.
Who were the standout players for each team?
For Lehigh, freshman Noah Zyung and senior Aiden Oehrle shone. Lafayette’s highlights included Quint Dingledine and the pair Michael Bell & Michael DiNapoli, who kept the match competitive.
Why is the Presidents Cup format considered a true test of a college golf program?
The multi‑day, multi‑format structure challenges depth, teamwork, and mental toughness. Teams must excel in better‑ball, alternate‑shot, and singles—different skill sets that separate a well‑rounded squad from one that relies on a few stars.
When is the next major rivalry match for Lehigh and Lafayette?
The next head‑to‑head meeting after the Patriot League Championship will be the 2026 Presidents Cup, traditionally scheduled for early April at a neutral course in the Northeast.
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