GHS golf wins Tiger Cub Invitational

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

The Greencastle golf team won the Tiger Cub Invitational Saturday at Windy Hill in some very tough scoring conditions. The Tiger Cubs shot a 331, besting second-place Tri-West by 34 strokes.

"The course conditions were tough today, but I was kind of glad they were," GHS coach Donovan Wheeler said. "The greens are the fastest I've ever seen them and the rains have thickened the rough as well. And then you throw in the wind, which made the decision-making very difficult. All in all, I thought every dimension was fantastic because no one was given a freebie if they made a bad decision. That's the way tournament golf is supposed to be.

"We've been in four successive Saturday tournaments, and our home course was by far the most challenging," the coach continued. "I think that's something that Windy Hill and the entire Greencastle community should be proud of."

Wade Huber led the Tiger Cubs, taking medalist honors for the tournament by firing an 80.

"Wade's front nine was phenomenal," Wheeler said. "He clearly managed the conditions the most effectively and used them to his advantage. He also kept his head in the moment and played the round a shot at a time. He leaked a good deal on the back, but that's hardly a problem unique to him."

Greencastle's Luke Crimmins had the second-best round of the tournament. Wheeler was especially proud of Crimmins, as he was playing for the Tiger Cubs' second squad.

"I was also happy to see Luke come back with a good day for him. He obviously lost the playoff for the top five. He could have completely collapsed at that point. He's had more than his share of problems this season, and all he needs is a little bit of good fortune," Wheeler said. "If a couple more things can go his way, I think he can put a bad April behind him."

Eric Davis had the second best round for the Tiger Cubs' "A" squad, shooting an 83. Nick Pritchard and Jim Wheeler were right behind with matching 84s. Jacob Collins shot an 85.

The Tiger Cubs obviously handled the tough conditions at their home course well, as the best score from the rest of the field matched the sixth-best GHS score.

The coach was pleased, but saw potential for more.

"I was pleased with our 160 at the turn, but we hemorraged shots all over the second nine. We have to perform better in the closing stages of our rounds, especially in 18-hole events," Wheeler said.

For Greencastle's second entry, Crimmins led the way. Tyler Hopkins and Tyler Wade each shot a 104. J.T. Hennette added a 122.

In the end, Wheeler was very pleased with the team defending its title.

"It may have been a rough day, and the numbers weren't pretty, but we did get to keep the trophy. We're going to set it in the pro shop next to Edgewood trophy and be proud of it," the coach concluded.

Greencastle's Monday match at Danville was postponed indefinitely. GHS is back in action Thursday at Deer Creek against Cascade and Monrovia.

At Windy Hill Country Club

Tiger Cub Invitational

Greencastle 331, Tri-West 365, Washington 373, Whiteland 378, Southmont 386, Greencastle Gray 412

Medalist -- Huber (GHS) 80.

Greencastle -- Huber 80, Davis 83, Pritchard 84, Wheeler 84, Collins 85.

Greencastle Gray -- Crimmins 82, Hopkins 104, Wade 104, Hennette 122.

Tri-West -- Lawson 90, Kuhns 91, Hahn 92, Rhodes 92, Stout 92.

Washington -- Wirey 88, Taylor 95, Igleheart 95, Fox 95, Winkler 105.

Whiteland -- Jayne 88, Harmon 94, West 98, Mathea 98, Moss 100.

Southmont -- Teague 85, Price 95, Rash 99, Lamont 107, Actis WD.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: