Greencastle golf edges field to win Invite

Greencastle boys' golf was able to fend off four other squads Saturday morning to win their host tournament, the Tiger Cub Invitational, despite South Vermillion taking first and third place individual honors.

The tournament began chilly and wet with fairways that were gobbling drives. The topographically diverse Windy Hill Country Club was no match for recent downpours, leaving standing water and thick troughs of mud throughout the course. Though the day itself warmed and the dew dried, treacherous conditions pushed scores into the upper 90s and even the 100s.

At the end of the day, two competitors were able to emerge equals, both scoring an impressive 75 (+5). Luke Brotherton (Greencastle) and Logan Burdick (South Vermillion) were fated for a playoff hole after mastering the difficult course. Burdick's smashed opening drive and subsequent brilliant chip within six feet were too much for Brotherton, rewarding the former with the tournament's first place honors and relegating the latter to second. Brandon Bekkering of South Vermillion placed third with a 76 (+6).

The hosts from Greencastle expertly navigated their own course, finishing at 319 on the day, while South Vermillion concluded with a total of 327. Southmont, led by Chris Rash's 81 (+11) shot a 346, and Tri-West totaled 376, with Danny Lambart's 85 (+15) leading the way. Whiteland struggled mightily with the wet ground and fast greens, tallying a massive 398, fronted by Trent McGuire's 95. Ironically, each team was led someone other than their number one golfer.

In addition to Brotherton's 75, Brad Haussin shot a 79, Jim Wheeler an 80 and Tyler Hopkins an 85. Wataru Otaki shot a 97 for GHS.