It might be springtime, but the weather has not been ideal in central New York this week.

The cold and wet conditions typically don’t bode well for anyone who is looking to golf. However, Jamesville-DeWitt senior Jackson Saroney uses it to his advantage.

On Friday, Saroney was one of nine Section III golfers to punch their tickets for the state tournament following strong performances at the Seven Oaks Golf Club in Hamilton.

Saroney, last year’s All-Central New York golfer of the year and now a four-time state qualifier, compiled the best overall score at 142.

“I think I played pretty well,” Saroney said. “The weather was bad and it made for some tough conditions, but I’ve been preparing for it. It’s about understanding how to play in this type of weather.”

All things considered, Saroney enjoys golfing in unpleasant weather.

“I love it,” he said. “I’m kind of used to it, and I practice and play all the time in these conditions. It’s about lowering your expectations on the course because you know others will struggle in this weather. You have to keep your head above water and play your own game, while keeping the ball directly out of the wind.”

With his last trip to the state tournament coming soon, Saroney is going for gold. He placed fourth at the state tournament in 2023 and tied for 17th at the 2024 tourney.

“I feel really good about it this year,” Saroney said. “I feel like every year I’ve learned something different. I feel like it gives me a good chance to win it, so hopefully I can do my best and play my game.”

Once Saroney’s high school career comes to a close in June, he’ll transition to college golf with Division I’s Penn State.

“It’s really exciting,” Saroney said. “In the last few summers, I’ve played to get recruited. This summer, I’m playing to prepare for the fall golf season. It’ll be about getting game-ready during the summer.”

The New York State boys golf championship tournament is June 7-9 at the Mill Creek Golf Club in Churchville.

Here is the list of Section III golfers who qualified for states:

1. Jackson Saroney, Jamesville-DeWitt, (-2, 142)

2. Drew Mancini, Skaneateles, (+5, 149)

3. Dan Young, Westhill, (+7, 151)

4. Jon Shoults, West Genesee, (+11, 155)

4. Brayden Sentz, Cooperstown, (+11, 155)

6. Jake Olearcyzyk, Holland Patent (+13, 157)

7. Tommy Goodelle, New Hartford, (+14, 158)

8. Drew Kippen, Cicero-North Syracuse, (+15, 159)

8. J.P. Lazzaro, New Hartford, (+15, 159)

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