Cougars record-setting season ends at golf regional

North Putnam sophomore Danny Smith hits an approach shot on the 18th hole at Thursday's golf sectional. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

WASHINGTON -- The North Putnam boys' golf team experienced a lot of new success this season and that climaxed on Thursday at the Indiana High School Athletic Association regional.

It was the first time in school history that a Cougars' team has advanced in the postseason.

"I told the guys, 'We're down here, we're going to do the best we can, like we do every day, and have fun,'" NPHS coach Linda Patrick said. "This is the best season that I think any North Putnam team has ever had, in the regular season as well as postseason."

The Cougars finished the 18-hole day with a four-player combined score of 358, which was 17th in team scoring. Avon won the event by shooting a 296.

Sophomore Danny Smith led the Cougars by shooting a nine-over 81.

"I knew he had something in him," Patrick said. "He had a great (practice) round here yesterday and he was on with his drives. ... I think that really helped a lot.

"He's pretty conscientious with his golf. He keeps kind of a cool head about it. He's happy with it, I'm happy with it and we're good to go."

North Putnam junior Bennett Hazelgrove makes solid contact on the 16th tee at Country Oak Golf Course during Thursday's IHSAA boys' regional. Hazelgrove and his teammates were the first regional qualifiers in school history. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

While Smith used the pressure of the moment to shoot one of the best rounds of his life, some of the other golfers were tense and took a few holes to settle in.

Junior Mason Asher was second on the team with an 89, followed by 94s from Austin Judy and Bennett Hazelgrove and a 96 from Jake Smith.

"I had a few boys today that had the most nerves that I've seen all year," Patrick said. "Like any kid, they want to do the best they can and set a high goal to reach. That's good, but I said to them, 'All we need to do is come here and do what we normally do everyday: golf the best you can.'"

As an emerging team, the Cougars had a lot to gain from advancing in the state tournament. The group got an extra week in of practice and got to see what it takes to compete at a state level.

Patrick said they also gained more knowledge of how to prepare.

"They'll now know what it's all about the next round and we'll be ready and know what to do next year," she said. "They've got some things they'll work on. They've seen it. They now know what it's about."

In each match this season, it was a different golfer stepping up to lead the Cougars in scoring.

The team's depth is promising, but it will have to be more consistent to improve its place in the postseason.

"Every step you take in this is a different rung in the ladder of the tournament run," Patrick said. "They know it's going to be tougher. ... They've got a lot to be proud of, in my opinion, even though they may not think it right now."