Arnold, Wheeler season ends at regional

Thursday, June 9, 2011
Cloverdale's Chris Arnold

GREENWOOD -- The quest of playing in the state golf championship weekend ended for two Putnam County golfers Wednesday afternoon. Cloverdale's Chris Arnold and Greencastle's Jim Wheeler competed at the Center Grove Golf Regional, both coming up short in their effort to advance.

Both golfers had some work to do after their first nine played. Wheeler began his day on the back nine and posted a 42, while Arnold teed off on the front and posted a score of 39. Arnold felt he still had a chance to advance if he was able to post a solid back nine score and he proceeded to do just that.

"I missed a few putts that I felt should have dropped. I hit some really good shots out there, I didn't leave anything on the course, so I'm satisfied with the way I ended," Arnold said.

Arnold was four-over par at the turn and attacked the noticeably more difficult back nine with every thing he had. On No. 13, Arnold boomed a towering drive to the middle of the fairway and proceeded to place a powerful fairway wood shot onto the green. However, he was unable to capitalize on either the eagle or birdie putt and had to settle for par.

The Cloverdale senior's play on the back nine was solid and steady, resulting in Arnold posting an even-par 36. Arnold's total of 75 looked like it might hold early as the scores trickled in, but the senior watched as lower rounds were posted and his day was confirmed over.

Greencastle's Jim Wheeler

Cloverdale head coach Doug Wokoun revealed after the round that Arnold has been battling a herniated disk all season and for him to perform as well as he has is a testament to his dedication to the game.

"Chris played with a herniated disk all season. It's not an excuse; it's just a matter of fact. To have played as well as he has all season with that lingering, I think, says a whole lot about his skill as a player and his dedication to the game," Wokoun said.

Arnold said Wednesday round was a good way to close out his final season as a high school golfer.

"It's been every thing I expected this year," Arnold said. "I've had a good year finishing second at the County, second at the Conference, making it out of the sectional and winning the Danville Invitational. It's been a senior year that I wanted.

"I wanted to get out of this regional, but I'm not going to hang my head on this because if I take my score I shot here to any other regional in the state, I'd be playing in the state finals next week," he added.

For Wheeler, after posted a score of plus-seven on the back nine, the GHS senior settled down and scored a four-over 39 on the front nine to end his was with an 81.

Wheeler and Greencastle head coach Steve Paquin were not available for comment following the round.

Keegan McKinney of Avon was the regional medalist with a round of 68.

At Hickory Stick Golf Club

Chris Arnold (CHS) 39 36 -- 75

Jim Wheeler (GHS) 42 39 -- 81