County teams improve scores on GMGC links

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on March 24, 2015 1:48 PM

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Wayne County golfers walked away from Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course with a mixture of emotions on a breezy, sunny Monday afternoon.

Four players posted their lowest 18-hole rounds of the season.

Two teams shot their best scores after three tournaments on the Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference scene. Everyone felt there was room for improvement.

"This was our best day overall so far as team," Charles B. Aycock head coach Dave Elmore said. "My guys usually play well at Goldsboro, even though it isn't our home course. The good thing is my four other guys than Mitchell (Langston) and Bryce (Jones) felt they could have done better.

"(That's) encouraging as a coach knowing that your kids think they can do even better after our best day up to this point as a team."

Langston led the Golden Falcons' charge with a 3-over par 75 -- his lowest 18-hole score in league play. Jones finished three strokes back, which was also his season low. Noah West (81) and Alex Weaver (86) completed Aycock's four-player total of 322 -- a season-best seven shots lower than its previous ECC outing.

"Mitchell and Bryce played very well today and they have the ability to do that every match," Elmore said. "Bryce has so much composure and is consistent. He can forget about a bad shot and move on quickly."

Eastern Wayne received strong efforts from Victor Kokiko and Drew Grady, who each shot their best 18-hole scores of the season. Kokiko ended up with an 84 after firing an 88 in his previous ECC meet. Grady posted an 87 and has shaved seven strokes off of his game since a season-opening 94 at Lane Tree.

The Warriors had a season-best team score of 357 that included 18-hole rounds from Willis Underwood (91) and Zack Lancaster (95).

"The team is getting better each match (and) every player is progressing in different areas of their game," EW head coach Ray Lippert said. "I am proud of the senior leadership from Willis, Victor and Drew -- they have played really well to this point.

"The potential for this team is outstanding."

Jonathan Langston led Southern Wayne's effort with an 89.

"To play well at GMGC, one must place an emphasis on course management. Those that do have an opportunity to post a low number," said SW head coach Parker King, whose team shot a four-player total of 400.

"We have yet to reach our potential, however, I am pleased with our progression. We showed signs of improvement today an I am proud of their determination."

D.H. Conley's Bryce Hendrix claimed medalist honors with a 6-under 66. Hendrix has been the top individual placer in all three meets, including a blistering 63 in the season opener at Lane Tree.

Conley shot 289 as a team.