Broncbuster golf finishes strong; place fifth at Districts
By Mike Pilosof
Topeka, KS-Garden City Golf Coach John Green has asked his team to rally all season long.
During the District III Championships at Firekeeper Golf Course on Monday and Tuesday, Green asked his guys to do a little more.
"We were hurting," Green said.
Garden City's skipper was eluding to the fact that the team had lost their No. 1 golfer Dominic Pollock to illness on Monday and No. 2 Jordan Parson to an ankle injury after he stepped in a hole and was forced to withdraw.
"It was a challenge for our guys," Green said. "I told them that there were seven teams, and our goal was to finish in the top four."
For the most part, mission accomplished.
Despite being shorthanded on day one, Garden City tied Hutchinson for fourth place after shooting a 318 on Monday. They finished the tournament in fifth.
"I'm really proud of these guys," Green said. "It's easy for people to look at us and say that we are already in the nationals because we are hosting. But these guys have a lot of pride. They knew we were shorthanded."
The Broncbusters also faced the elements with a howling 40 mph wind. However; they responded valiantly. Luke Russell paced Garden City, finishing 14-over par and in a tie for 14th out of 49 players. Scott Campbell shot rounds of 82, 78 and 75 to finish 20th; Jordan Bishop 80, 81 and 78 (26th) and Nathan Roy 78, 83 and 79 to finish 28th.
"These guys are excited that they have another opportunity to play," Green said. "We are very excited to host nationals."
On day two, Pollock returned to shoot a 75.
"He shoots a 75 while his throwing up on the side," Green said. "Imagine what he would have shot if he was fully healthy."
Indian Hills won the team title with Dodge City finishing second followed by Iowa Western, Hutchinson and Garden City. , Indian Hills' Ricky Sanders and Dodge City's Witchayapat Sinsrang tied for the individual title.
Notes: Russell was named second-team all region