The Class AA Shady Spring golf team has already shown an ability to run with the big dogs across the state this year.
Wednesday evening on the Cobb Course inside the confines of The Resort at Glade Springs, the Tigers were once again roaring against a trio of Region 3 opponents.
Led by freshman Park Winkler with an even-par round of 36, Shady Spring (111) out-dueled defending Class AAA Region 3 champion Greenbrier East (122), Wyoming East (141) and defending Class A Region 3 champion Summers County (151).
“I try to downplay how good they are as much as I can, but they realize that they have a chance to do something special this year,” Shady Spring head coach Greg Daniel said. “ Hopefully we can keep playing like this the rest of the way.”
Jack Williams followed Winkler with a 37 and outside of a double-bogey on the final hole, the basketball all-stater would have been under for his Wednesday round.
Cooper Ward rounded out the three-person scoring for the Tigers with a 38, followed by Tyler Beard with a 39. Senior Khil Olsen and freshman Eli Sexton shot 41 on the day. Ian Crouse finished with a 43.
“We had six players today shoot 41 or better. That is pretty good for a high school team.,” Daniels said.
The dynamic junior duo of Ward and Beard have both played well all season and while anything under 40 Wednesday was a solid score, neither player was what you would call happy at the end of the day.
Ward started out with an eagle on his first hole before being frustrated with some bogeys down the stretch. An uncharacteristic bogey on each of the par-5’s added to Beard woes on the day.
“They are not real happy today. Anytime they shoot over par, they are not very happy. They want the other one to play good, but they want to play better,” Daniel said. “Anytime Cooper beats Tyler, Tyler is not happy. Anytime Tyler beats Cooper, Cooper is not happy.”
The young freshman has been a much welcomed addition to the team this year for Shady and has shown early on that he can play well above his years.
“He was a little nervous down at Edgewood (Country Club) for his first tournament, but by the end of the end of the round, he was like a senior playing,” Daniel said.
Winkler was very steady on the firm and fast conditions Wednesday making one birdie, one bogey and seven pars on the day.
“Grant is really composed and smart,” Daniel said. “He also makes good decisions.”
Greenbrier East came in undefeated this year, led by 2023 Region 3 co-low medalist Isaac Hutchison.
Unfortunately for the Spartans, Wednesday was not their best day of the year. Hutchison ended with a 40 along with Isaac Cantrell who also carded a 40. Nate Dolin shot 42, while Sam Rashau and Wyatte Childers each had a 46. Seth Napier shot 47.
Wyoming East was slowed when one of its top player, Talon Muscari, had to withdraw due to an injury. Broc Johnson led the Warriors with a 45. Zach Hunt shot 46 and Logan Stacy had a 52.
Summers County standout Xavier Honaker who was a major contributor on the Class A Region 3 championship team last year struggled with a 44 and Christian Dillon had a 45.
Shady Spring is back in action Monday on The Cobb Course when it hosts AAA power Cabell Midland at noon for an 18-hole match.
