Cougar golf ties school record score

Friday, May 25, 2007
J.J. Burns

The North Putnam Cougars golf team tied a school record and had a player set a school record in its rout of Fountain Central Thursday night, 149-174.

With sectional play approaching, North looked in top form, but coach Keith Bodnarick thinks improvement is still achievable.

"I thought we played well tonight," Bodnarick said. "The good thing is we could have played a lot better too."

North saw three golfers shoot in the 30s, with J.J. Burns leading the way as he torched the course for a school-record 34. Patrick Byrd fired off a 37 and senior Eric Whitaker shot a 38.

With three golfers in the 30s, Bodnarick could do little but smile as he talked about his trio.

"That's playing golf, it really is," he said. "I think Eric is disappointed because he wanted to do a little better in his last home match."

A pleasant surprise for the Cougars was the play of junior Kyle Smith. Smith shot a 40 on the night and continues to impress his coach.

"He's really come on lately for us," Bodnarick commented. "Since Eric's leaving, I've been looking for a strong No. 5 for us next year and so far he's fitting the bill.

"He's literally taken eight-to-10 strokes off his game in the past two weeks, and that gives him confidence."

The most impressive aspect of Smith's round was his ability to post good numbers without hitting a fairway.

With his team firing on all cylinders, it seems Bodnarick is not content to let his team lose its edge. Bodnarick spoke about sectional play at Martinsville and what he believes his team can do and what his team needs to do.

"I guess we'll need to shoot somewhere about 310, 315 to be successful," Bodnarick said. "Martinsville really lays out well for us."

Green condition is another concern Bodnarick addressed as he talked about the teams preparation.

"Green condition is critical for sectional play," Bodnarick commented. "We need to go where the greens are quick.

The Cougars shot a 149, which ties a school-record, and is a feat the team had been playing for all year.

"They've been wanted to get in the 140's this year, so it was nice to do it on senior night," he said.

North Putnam's junior varsity defeated Fountain Central 175-203.

The Cougars will play against Martinsville on the road next Wednesday at 2:45 p.m.

At Greencastle

Old Hickory Golf Course

Greencastle 149, Fountain Central 174

Medalist -- Burns (NP) 34*

North Putnam -- Burns 34, Byrd 37, Whitaker 38, Smith 40.

Fountain Central -- Lowe 42, Nickle 42, Fishero 43, Copas 47.

Junior varsity

North Putnam -- Redman 43, Vondersaar 43, Malayer 44, Mitchener 45.

Fountain Central -- Weissten 47, Riley 51, Parke 52, Zackmire 53.

Next match -- The Cougars will play against Martinsville on the road next Wednesday at 2:45 p.m.

* -- School record.

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