Cougar golfers advance to state qualifying event

The York Comprehensive High School boys’ golf team withstood a surge from Nation Ford in the Region 3-AAAA tournament to grab the fourth spot for Monday’s AAAA golf qualifier at the Smithfield Golf Course in Easley.

The 36-hole region event proved to be a grueling 9 1/2 hour test at the Springfield Golf Course in Fort Mill. Leading the Cougars was senior Austin Hall with scores of 75 and 84, for a total 159 score.

“Austin just missed making the all-region golf team by one stroke,” said Cougar head golf coach David Lancaster.

He said junior Tucker Laney had two solid rounds, with scores of 82 and 78 for a total of 160, to fortify the team effort.

He also cited “gutsy play” by junior newcomers Chayce Blackwell, with scores of 88 and 81 for a total of 169, and Damon Heath, with scores of 83 and 89 for a total of 172, that “bolstered the Cougar effort.”

Freshman Landon Joye’s 41 on the final 9-holes spurred his teammates to finish strong over the remaining holes.

Joye turned in a consistent 88 and 87, for a total of 175 for the day.

“Each of the Cougars chipped in important birdie scores for the day, 12 in all, with Blackwell showing four in his last 18-hole round,” said Lancaster.

Gaffney won the region title with scores of 307 and 302, for a 609 total. Clover came in second with a 310 and 313 for a 623 total.

Rock Hill High was third with a 319 and 327 for a 646 total score, followed by the Cougars’ 328 and 330 for a total of 658.

Rounding out the day’s region team scoring were Nation Ford, 662; Northwestern, 665; and Fort Mill, 675.

This story was originally published May 4, 2015 at 2:43 PM with the headline "Cougar golfers advance to state qualifying event."