El Dorado’s boys golf team has already tested itself with five 18-hole tournaments on five different courses. Early on, the Wildcats have showcased their depth with different players enjoying low rounds.
“Each player is capable of shooting good scores for us,” said El Dorado coach Chris Ezell. “We haven’t had a round where they have all had a good day yet. We need consistency to compete.”
Caden Meadows shot a season-best 73 last week at Pine Bluff Country Club. Meadows and Peyton Yarbrough both scored 79 earlier in the season. Isaac Aaron has a round of 81 with Michael Moore posting scores of 82 and 85 this season. Meadows also added an 81 to his season’s resume.
Ezell explained how he puts together a lineup with the depth the team has displayed.
“I use their scoring averages to determine the lineup. It's basically a golf handicap system. I rank them by their scoring averages and the lowest five averages make out the lineup,” said Ezell, who likes how the players push one another.
“The competition keeps them constantly having to work to improve their golf skills or someone may out-work them for their spot. Some seasons the top five doesn't change. This year we have had six different players rotating up and down through the lineup. I hope we have adjusted to the school schedule now and things start getting more consistent as we approach the halfway mark of the season.”
• • •
Parkers Chapel’s boys’ golf team has blasted out of the gates this season. The Trojans shot 120 over nine holes to blitz the field by 22 strokes last week at the Lions Club.
Landon Black missed the start of the season but shot 38 to tie Hunter Cheatham for team lead last week with John Hall adding a 39 and Jaxon Waggoner 43.
At Hope, the Trojans shot an amazing 106 over nine holes. Black and Cheatham scored 34 and 35, respectively, with Hall and Waggoner shooting 37 and 43, respectively.
“The boys have started strong this season. I am really proud of them,” said PC coach Hillary Frisby. “Having Landon back has been great. We not only count on him for his scores but he is a great leader. I’ve been noticing as they are practicing or hitting on the range, they help each other and are working as a team. I know they will continue to work hard and will continue to improve as the season progresses.”
• • •
Junction City’s golf girls have been winning matches this season. The Lady Dragons tied Parkers Chapel on Wednesday but shot 157 to win at Spring Hill earlier in the week.
Karla Castillo has emerged as the team leader, earning medalist honors on Wednesday with a 48 over nine holes. Valarie Kidwell (55), Raylynn Massey (56), Makayla Knight (58) and Addison Cary (58) all broke 60 during the round.
“The girls have been putting in a lot of work and it's been paying off. They want each other to play the best they can. I have noticed during practices that they give each other advice. It's a great group of girls,” said Junction City coach Shelby Ward. “Karla has been leading the team, but both Valarie and Makayla have made huge strides this season. Addison and Addie have also improved and could give us a decent score on any day. The goal is still the same, and that's to qualify for state as a team.”