Local Golf Teams Prepare For Region Play
Burgin Independent senior Bryson Lacy chipped a shot from the rough during a tournament at Bright Leaf golf course on Thursday, Sept. 12. (The Harrodsburg Herald/Samuel Warren)
Samuel Warren
Herald Staff
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Both the Burgin Independent and Mercer County High School girls golf teams competed at Bright Leaf golf course on Thursday, Sept. 12. Over nine holes of par three, Mercer County was led by seniors Kate Carlton (43) and Lily Leitenberger (47), and Paisley King (46). Class of 2025 graduates Carlton and Leitenberger were recognized with their families before teeing off. Head Coach Leewood Goodlett is sad to see the seniors leave the program, but she believes their personal best performances could come in the Regional meet scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24.
“I’m very proud of the improvement I’ve seen this season. We are sad to lose our two seniors, but we also have a few young girls who continue to make progress,” said Goodlett.
The Burgin Independent Lady Bulldogs claimed the 12th Region All-A championship in August as they were the only Class-A school with enough members to field a team. While they didn’t have to outplay any opponents to win, Head Coach Matt Grimes believes having such an interest in golf despite this being the Bulldog’s first year with a full team, is encouraging and should lead to future success.
“It’s an accomplishment that we can put together a team in just our second year, and everyone else who’s been established and has had a program, can’t,” said Grimes.
Burgin girls golf was led by senior Jemma Jenkins (43), Kate Hatfield (44) and Taylor Isaacs (44).
“We’re in the infancy of the program. It was really exciting as the season progressed to see the improvement from each individual,” said Grimes.
The Lady Bulldogs will compete in the regional tournament at Wild Turkey Trace Golf Course in Lawrenceburg on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and the boys will compete one day prior at Peninsula Golf Resort in Garrard County.
The Bulldogs program graduates Jenkins, Alli Crawley-Stewart and Bryson Lacy.
“I am proud of each and everyone who came out to help give our two-year young program some momentum. Those who participated last year are the anchors of the team and I’m equally as pleased with our first year players who stepped outside of the box and tried something new this fall,” said Grimes.
The Mercer County Titan boys team is preparing for their regional tournament and the team and Head Coach Jay Anderson have found success on big stages lately.
The team of Tanner Robinson, Will Armstrong, Noah Nichols, Carson Whitenack and Collier Sexton finished runner up at the Central Kentucky Bluegrass Conference Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 7, and fifth at the 2A state tournament. They combined to shoot 34 over par in Owensboro. Christian Academy of Louisville, the winner, and one of the best programs in the state in recent years, shot eight over par.
Anderson said some mental miscues down the stretch got the best of the Titans at the 2A state tournament in Owensboro on Thursday, Sept. 9.
“But we couldn’t be in any better position heading into the region. Our guys are confident, we know we have a chance,” said Anderson.
A chance to become the first Mercer County boys golf team to ever qualify for state. If each of the five individuals play to their potential the boys are likely to make history at Peninsula Golf Resort on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if any of our guys make it individually. We’re right there knocking on the door. It’s been a challenge just to get them to understand how good they are as individuals and as a team,” said Anderson.
The Titans entered the tournament hoping to reach second place, but still improved on their sixth place position last year. Whitenack, Sexton and Nichols had never golfed in a state tournament atmosphere, and Anderson believes the experience will help them control their nerves at the regional meet.
Mercer County golf will be graduating one senior, Ben Chapman.
“Ben is an exceptional teammate. He’s understood that while he may not be the best golfer on the team, he is still a valuable part of the team. For a lot of guys, golf is an avenue for bonding, employment and many other things. You’re teaching a game that parallels a lot of life’s journeys and it’s a game you can enjoy for the rest of your life. He’s another example of the great kids I’ve been blessed to coach; they don’t cause any problems, show up to practice and work hard, they take care of themselves in the classroom and have high moral fiber. I hope I’ve blessed him as much as he’s blessed me,” said Anderson.
