York golfers look for competitive edge in region

The York Comprehensive High School boys’ golf team opened the season last week with a 168-173 loss to the Clover Blue Eagles.

Both teams battled throughout the front-nine match March 10 at York’s home court at Spring Lake Country Club.

Leading the Cougar was senior Austin Hall’s 41 score, followed by Damon Heath, 42; Chandler Sain, 45; and Tucker Laney, 45. Also scoring for the Cougars were Tyler Ellis, 47; and Landon Joye, 49.

The Cougar golfers made their first road trip of the season March 11 to Gaffney at the Cherokee National Golf Course.

Playing in the rain most of the nine-hole match, the Cougars fired a 157, an improvement of 16 strokes from the match against Clover.

The Rock Hill Bearcat squad also shot a 157 to tie the Cougars.

Host Gaffney shot a 2-under par 142 team score to win the match.

Tucker Laney led York’s effort, shooting a 39. Sain was next at 40. Damon Heath shot 41, Tyler Ellis shot 42 and Landon Joye, 44.

“We have the most depth of any Cougar golf team in the recent past with at least eight golfers who can tee it up and score well on any given day,” said head coach David Lancaster.

“This team will keep me busy trying to find them playing time, with only six spots available at the tee box each match,” he said.

“We are fortunate to be playing in several local golf tournaments this season, which allows us to take two groups of golfers and get them competitive golf experience.

“You only get better at golf by playing it.”

Added Lancaster: “Based on our strong finishes at both our region and upper state tournaments last season, and returning all of that group, I feel like we should have a very good chance to do well again this season.

He said: “Wouldn’t it be great to see this Cougar golf team in the state golf tournament in May at Furman. We will have to see and hope the ball rolls our way.”

Sain, a senior with five years in the program, is optimistic in the early season.

“I feel very strong about the team this year,” he said. “We’ve got a couple new guys and a lot of old faces. We’ve got a good chance this year.”

Sain is confident the Cougars can improve.

“We have a lot of good solid players,” he said.

Regarding his own game, Sain said there’s always work to be done.

“I need to work on all of my shots, particularly my wedge shots,” he said.

This story was originally published March 16, 2015 at 1:59 PM with the headline "York golfers look for competitive edge in region."