Jackets look to make run toward state golf title

May 8, 2011

The members of the Starkville High School golf team are Ben Newman, back from left, Ryan Lacy, Logan Maddox and Cameron Maddox, front from left, and Jace Hobart. (Submitted photo)

The Starkville High School golf team is looking to put everything together for a run at a state championship on Tuesday.
The Yellowjacket trio of Ben Newman, Ryan Lacy and Logan Maddox have been medalist at least once this year, while Jace Hobart and Cameron Maddox have come on as of late.
When the state meet takes place at the Tupelo Country Club, SHS golf coach Sam Bryant likes what his team is capable of doing after fine-tuning their games over the last couple of weeks.
"We're looking to have a good showing up there," Bryant said. "There will be 16 6A schools that should be there and if we shoot what we're capable of shooting, we should at least be in the top half and I'd like to be in the top five. That would be a cap on a good season."
This is the second time in four years that the Tupelo Country Club has hosted the state tournament.
Bryant likes the fact that the squad is somewhat familiar with the course even though it was rained out for a scheduled meet there earlier this season.
"We haven't gotten the heads up on it yet, but our kids are familiar with it and have been up there quite a few times," Bryant said.
The Jackets participate in a practice round today, but Bryant said they have already been sharpening up the short game.
"We're trying to match conditions with what we'll be playing on," Bryant said. "The kids are pretty familiar with the course. The greens up there are usually pretty fast so we're doing as much work as we can getting ready for that.
"I'm hoping with what we've done that they can at least get into the 80s and we'll be pretty stout. That would be a pretty good score there."