Looking to protect par for the semi-state boys’ golf tournament, the Hopkinsville Country Club set up some challenging pin placements. While the scores largely mirrored the tough setup, Owensboro shot 314, finishing second overall — just two strokes behind first-place Taylor County — to secure a spot in the state tournament.
“I am happy that we advanced and I am proud of the boys,” Owensboro head coach Pat Hume said. “It was a tough course and the greens were rough, but we made it to the final nine teams in the state.”
Nolan Warren led the way for the Red Devils, shooting 73, tying him for fourth overall. Will Hume, Jax Malone, and Will Rickard rounded out the team’s top four scores, shooting 78, 79, and 84.
In attendance at Hopkinsville were Owensboro’s baseball team head coach Jake Fiorella and assistant coach Keegan Barkos as well as some of the players — something Hume and his team appreciate.
“We have many multi-sport athletes on the golf team,” Hume said. “It was really neat to see them come and support their fellow teammates.”
On Monday, the Red Devils will head to the Bowling Green Country Club for an early tee time to acclimate to the greens. The state tournament is a two-day event being held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Unlike in years past, there are no cut-offs after the first day. Hume mentioned that the Bowling Green course is similar to Hopkinsville in that it plays fast and the boys will also be focusing on putting.
“State is going to have tough competition, but it is a two-day event, and anything can happen,” Hume said. “It is going to take a really strong effort to win.”
The Daviess County team missed the cutoff, finishing eighth with a 338. Grant Broughton led the team with a 77, tying him for 11th overall — good enough to advance to the state tournament as an individual. Collin Reynolds, Lucas Ward, and Walker Furuson rounded out the Panthers top four scores, shooting 83, 86, and 92.
“I thought they had a good effort, but they just didn’t have it today,” Daviess County head coach Lars King said. “Collin Reynolds made a great turnaround on the back nine and got close to qualifying. Grant had a tough day, but did what it took to advance.”
Hancock County’s Dec Lewko competed as an individual and finished tied for 38th overall.
Owensboro Catholic had two players compete as individuals. Luke Estes and John William-Wathen shot 85 and 87.
“Both Luke and John William fought to the end, but the course wore them down, as it did most of the field,” Owensboro Catholic head coach Mark Price said. “Both of them gained valuable experience as they will both be returning next year.
