Golf: Twins lead Spanish River into state tourney

Monday, October 27, 2008
by Marcus Nelson

After Spanish River missed making last year's boys state golf tournament by just one stroke, the Sharks hoped to find a player who could make the difference between them being just a regional participant or a serious state championship contender.

Spanish River didn't just find one more piece to the puzzle, it found two identical components who have propelled the Sharks into the state Class 2A meet.

Senior twins Brandon and Jordan Meltzer moved to Boca Raton this summer from Long Island, N.Y. and have made an immediate impact.

"It has been really enjoyable because the whole team has just been great to us," Jordan said.

Not only do the Meltzers look alike, their talent level is nearly the same and the Sharks have learned they can count on either brother to lead the team.

Brandon led the Sharks with a 73 in the District 19-2A championship and Jordan was the medalist with a 74 at the Region 7-2A championship.

"We always challenge each other and put pressure on each other," Brandon said. "We have putting contests all the time."

Playing at this level is nothing new for the Meltzers.

Brandon has played for state titles as a freshman and junior in New York and the twins also are regulars on the junior golf circuit.

The Meltzers moved to Florida after convincing their parents to relocate so they could work on their golf game year-round.

"I couldn't believe it when they said they were coming here," Spanish River coach Aaron Lampman said. "Since they got here, all we've been talking about is getting to state and they've been as good as advertised."

The twins visited the area and Spanish River High School in the spring and liked what they saw. They also were made to feel right at home by the returning players including senior Matt Cahill, who invited the twins to go bowling the night they arrived to talk about golf and the team.

"I met Brandon at the U.S. juniors in Alabama and I knew they were coming here," Cahill said. "I just wanted to do something to make them feel welcome."

The gesture put the Meltzers at ease.

"We could have been two odd pieces fitting into the puzzle, but Matt made it fit and we're very appreciative of that," Brandon said. "That made us feel so comfortable when we finally got here and I'm glad we came here."