With one tournament in the books, there is plenty of reason for optimism surrounding the Woodford County High School girls’ golf team.
Playing at Lincoln Homestead State Park July 20, the Lady Jackets placed third among 14 teams and had all five varsity golfers under 90 strokes in what Coach Doug LaRue believes could be one of the best opening-day performances in program history.
“I was really happy with what everybody did today,” said LaRue.
“It’s our first tournament, and it’s the first time these five have competed together as a varsity lineup. Frankly, it was phenomenal. We’re going to go back and check the old records to see if this might be the best opening team score we’ve ever had. Having everybody shoot under 90 says a lot. There were a lot of really good shots today.”
Abigail Caine led Woodford County with a 5-over-par 76, tying for fifth place individually. Caine shot matching 38s on the front and back nine, highlighted by eagles on the par-5 sixth and 16th holes and a birdie on No. 11. She also made pars on Nos. 1, 2, 4, 7, 12 and 18.
Rylee Knehr followed with a 10-over 81 after rounds of 41 and 40. Knehr’s steady play included pars on Nos. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15 and 17 as she turned in the Yellow Jackets’ second-lowest score of the day.
Kaitlyn Hayes carded a 13-over 84, improving from a 43 on the front nine to a 41 on the back. Hayes made pars on Nos. 1, 6, 8, 15, 16 and 17 to help round out another solid opening performance for Woodford County.
Harper Lacefield finished with a 16-over 87 after shooting 45 on the front and trimming three strokes with a 42 on the back. Lacefield recorded pars on Nos. 6, 11, 14 and 16 while finishing under 90 in the season opener.
Greyson Kerr completed the Yellow Jackets’ scoring with an 18-over 89. After making the turn at 46, Kerr responded with a 43 on the inward nine, highlighted by a birdie on the par-4 13th hole. Kerr also added pars on Nos. 7, 8, 12 and 18 as all five Woodford golfers broke the 90-stroke mark.
With a busy week ahead, LaRue said the emphasis now is on staying fresh as a busy stretch of the schedule begins.
“The biggest thing is to rest, hydrate and take your time,” LaRue said. “We’ve got a busy week ahead, and we’re looking at these early tournaments as chances to get ready for the postseason. I think this is a team that can make a run, and I want them to be prepared for it. It should be a fun season.”