GIRLS' GOLF: Linksters face new challenge at GMGC

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on September 23, 2016 9:59 AM

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New practice makes new permanent.

That was the prevailing bit of coachspeak Thursday afternoon at Goldsboro Municipal Golf Club, as six area varsity girls' golf teams competed in a dual-county match that finished in a hail of inclement weather.

For the first time this season, each team stared down regional-like conditions, playing from an adjusted set of tee markers and negotiating pin positions that tested all manner of skill over two nine-hole matches.

The results, as expected, varied from the norm.

But per Rosewood High coach Shay Campbell, it was mission accomplished.

"We wanted to get them back on the tee box," the coach said. "Get them used to walking 18 holes."

North Johnston reigned over both nines, led in each match by the stellar play of Caroline Baker. En route to scores of 48 and 49, the junior carded four pars over the 5,629-yard layout.

She was complemented by Jessica Phillips (55-52), Brilyn Parker (52-53) and Haley Narron (52-59). Victoria Crocker, competing in the nine-hole division, fired a round of 63.

Charles B. Aycock was paced by junior Abby Sauls, who put together rounds of 51 and 52. Following her lead were Savannah Strickland (56-55), Anna Williams (59-54) and Leah Campbell (57-57).

Host Goldsboro, under the direction of coach Jonathan Burke, finished third in the team event, compiling an aggregate total of 338.

Leading the Cougars was senior Ashley Smith, who filed scores of 54-54. She was joined on the scoreboard by Rylie Hales (55-56) and Caroline Foye, who fired rounds of 60-59.

Senior Shamayah Revis, whose inspired play of late earned her News-Argus Athlete-of-the-Week honors a week ago, carded rounds of 59-57. Joining her in the Eagle lineup were Rebecca Dunham and Briyana Sutton, who each signed for 59.

Competing on behalf of Princeton High was the hero of its 2015-2016 state championship softball team, Casey Mitchell. The multi-sport junior filed a total of 114 for the Bulldogs.

Wayne Christian, however, authored the day's true gem.

Playing just nine holes, the Eagles fashioned their lowest round of the season -- a consistency-based, superbly crafted mark of 162.

Leading the charge was Grace Buddin with a 52, followed by Laura Kim (55) and sixth-grader Caroline Jones (55). Annalise Fitzmorris and Bri Verme each filed rounds of 61.

The result left coach Mike Buddin ecstatic.

"This is our best team score," the coach said. "And Caroline's best round ever... right now, that's as good as we can play."

And with regional play just three weeks ahead, that's good news.

On October 17, the 1-A/2-A eastern regional will be contested at Lane Tree Golf Club, while the 3-A version will be held at Reedy Creek Golf Course in Four Oaks.

Wayne Christian's regional hopes rest in the hands of a committee decision made at the state level.

"Today was about working on different shots, scoring," Campbell noted. "And if they can improve in those areas, we'll all be doing okay."