The Saint Patrick High School golf team began the East Suburban Catholic Conference season with a pair of convincing victories over Joliet Catholic and Saint Joseph last week.

On Tuesday afternoon the Shamrocks defeated Joliet Catholic by 30 strokes (157-187). Matt Cermak paced the Shamrocks with an even par round of 36. Mike Cermak and Ryan Hoesley both shot four-over-par 40’s, and Matt Merkel carded a five-over 41.

On Wednesday Saint Patrick bested Saint Joseph by a 31-stroke margin (149-180). Mike Cermak took home medallist honors with a two-under par 34, while his brother Matt shot a one-over-par 37. Brian O’Connor fired a two-over round of 38, and Hoesley shot 40 to round out the Shamrock scorers. Merkel (41) and Brian Heckl (43) rounded out the team.

The Shamrocks face a big week of East Suburban Catholic Conference play with matches against Marist, Carmel and Benet before playing in the Antioch Invitational this weekend.