South Putnam golf falls to Danville by four strokes

BRAZIL -- The South Putnam golf team opened the home portion of its schedule Tuesday with a 170-174 loss to Danville at Oak Ridge.

In spite of the loss, Eagle coach Scott Ricke was happy with what he saw from his young squad.

"While we didn't pick up the win, this was a good afternoon for us. For four of our guys, this was their first varsity match, so nerves were a bit of an issue, but we scored pretty decent for the first home meet of the year," Ricke said. "We played competitively with a good team in some windy conditions, so this was a strong effort."

Senior Tyler Newby led the Eagles and was medalist with a score of 37.

"Tyler Newby played great, as expected, and it's nice to see him get his first medalist honors right away," the coach said. "You know he's a solid golfer when he puts up a 37 and everyone who watched agrees that he gave up a few easy strokes.

"Tyler's a strong player now and I really see him improving more and more as the season goes on. He's willing to work and is a great example for our young team," Ricke continued.

For the rest of that young team, Damon Robinson and Dylan Gilbert each posted a 44. Matt Huck rounded out the scoring with a 49. Michael Nichols had a 51.

Levi Jones led Danville with a 40.

South Putnam hosts North Putnam at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

At Oak Ridge

Danville 170, South Putnam 174

Medalist -- Newby 37 (SP).

Danville 170 -- Jones 40, Scott 41, Gregory 45, Merkley 44, Roberts 46, Kiemel 50.

South Putnam 174 -- Newby 37, Robinson 44, Gilbert 44, Nichols 52, Huck 49.