CCHS, Jemison golfers advance to sub-state
Published 5:18 pm Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Multiple area high school golfers will represent Chilton County during the sub-state portion of the state playoffs on May 2 and 3.
The Chilton County High School boys squad advanced in the team competition in Class 6A, while a pair of girls in Jemison eighth grader Gentry Scott and Chilton County senior Madison Sanders qualified as individuals.
Scott shot a round of 87 and finished third as an individual and fourth overall in the Class 4A-5A event at Sylacauga Country Club in Sylacauga on Tuesday.
According to Jemison head coach Stacy McGehee, Scott was paired with the top two finishers in the girls’ individual portion, which created some nervousness.
As a result, she started off with double-bogeys on the first three holes, but quickly settled down with a pair of pars and a birdie.
“I think once she got the birdie she realized that she could play with them,” McGehee said. “It ended up being a pretty decent round.”
The ability to remain composed is an aspect of Scott’s game that is not often found in golfers her age.
“She could have easily given in and been frustrated, but she’s able to stay focused on doing the things necessary to get her score down,” McGehee said. “She’s always over at Timberline (Golf Club in Calera) working on her game.”
Sanders was in a similar position and qualified for sub-state by finishing runner-up in Class 6A-7A individual competition by posting a score of 86 at Lakewood Golf Course in Phenix City on Monday.
“She’s hitting the ball better then I’ve ever seen,” Chilton County head coach Ryan Price said. “She was crushing it with her second shot on the green just about every time.”
As a senior, the pressure of the postseason is nothing new to Sanders.
“She’s played in big tournaments before,” Price said. “Nothing gets to her.”
Chilton County’s boys team also qualified for sub-state by finishing third out of 10 teams with a combined score of 355 at Cider Ridge Golf Course.
Pell City, who the Tigers beat during last year’s state playoffs, topped the field during sectionals with a low score of 315.
According to Price, the time to win is right now with the core of the team comprised of juniors and seniors.
“I know what they can do and the potential is there,” Price said. “I like our chances, but in golf, certain days the ball just doesn’t roll in.”
Cole Watley shot 86, Boyd Price shot 88, Trey Baker and Bailey Price each shot 89 and Cole Headley shot 90 during the team competition.
Nash Cox participated in the individual portion of the event and shot an 85 but just missed out on advancing to sub-state.
However, he posted the lowest score among the Chilton County team.
“The team was so proud of him for what he was able to accomplish,” Price said.
Scott will play in the Class 4A-5A sub-state individual competition at Lagoon Park in Montgomery on May 2, while Sanders will take part in the Class 6A-7A event at Moore’s Mill Country Club in Auburn on May 3.
The Chilton County boys team will participate in sub-state at Timbercreek Golf Club in Mobile on May 3.