Senior Anthony Solare has become one of East’s most successful varsity golf players. Solare drove his way to success this golf season, ultimately succeeding to the state final. 

Solare started playing golf when he was a child and has continued playing ever since then. With his father getting him into it at a young age, his hard work and strong talent set him up for success throughout his high school career.

This year, conference was held at Bartlett Hills Golf Club. Solare started on the front nine, shooting a 34, and finished on the back with a 39, tying 2nd place with a total score of 73. His consistency carried over to regionals, which was hosted at Bowes Creek Country Club, where he shot a 40 on the front and a 38 on the back, placing 13th out of 64 players. After success at both conference and regionals, Solare then headed to sectionals at Short Hill Country Club, where he shot a 37 on the front and 36 on the back, tying for 9th place.

Solare described the tournament as a “stretch”. Initially, he was on the cut line along with many other players; however, he then made a triple, needing only a birdie on 18 to lock in his spot for state. Feeling a tremendous amount of pressure, he ended up getting a birdie on the 18th hole, securing his spot for the state competition. He described his regionals experience as “unreal” and stated that it was “a great feeling”. 

The day of state, Oct. 10, 2025, Solare shot a 39 on the front and a 41 on the back nine. On the second day, he shot a 44 on the front and 41 on the back placing 75th overall against the toughest competition in Illinois.

When asked about his biggest challenge he faced during state was, Solare stated “The biggest challenge was seeing kids who have been there before that played good.” Being that it was his first time at the state competition, he stated “I was making first time mistakes and having a lot of nervousness that I wouldn’t have if I [had] been there before.”

Solare also mentioned that the atmosphere at state was very different compared to other tournaments he had played in the past. Solare voiced that the kids there are “just as good as you if not even better” making it really different compared to previous tournaments he’s participated in, especially with college coaches watching adding that extra pressure.

Through his hard work, consistent play and supporters on his side, Solare has driven his way to success throughout his high school years, finishing off his senior year golf season strong.