The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

RICHLAND—“Today was a beautiful day for golf but the conditions wore on the kids. It was 85 degrees in Richland. Columbia Point has lots of rolling hills and is over 6000 yards long. It’s been difficult this spring to prepare for that!” said DW Golf Coach Mike McGhan about the Thurs. April 18 golf match at Richland’s Columbia Point Golf Course.

“McKellyn (Bradham) was battling a minor injury so every swing was painful. He still posted a respectable score. Eli (Talbott) has been striking the ball very well lately; he just needs to continue what he is doing and avoid the shots that put him in difficult positions. Seamus (House) is still working on strengthening his wrist which he broke in football season and kept him out of the entire basketball season. Tom (Elder) once again has a highlight, draining a difficult sand shot on the final hole.

“Lexi (Draper) has also been hitting the ball very well, but needs to work on her putting before her scores come down. Samantha (Davis) has been working on a couple of things with her swing and I saw her hitting the ball more consistently today. Casey (Brooks) has been a pleasant surprise this year. She turned out late and did not become eligible until just before spring break. She had never played golf before and I threw her into her first match after three days of practice. We have seen daily improvement with Casey.

“Evan (Harvill) was in a battle all day with his playing partners Shea Kimball (DeSales) and Teddy Moore (TC Prep). Evan was leading at the turn, but Shea made a charge on the back nine to tie Evan as medalist. Will had a good round going until the 18th where the green is protected by a huge bunker and water on the front and a pot bunker in the back. The pin placement was extremely difficult today and pretty much ate a lot of kids up!” McGhan said.

Columbia Point Thursday April 18th par 72

Dayton/Waitsburg Girls 9 Holes

Lexi Draper 75

Casey Brooks 75

Samantha Davis 76

Total 226

Dayton/Waitsburg Boys 18 Holes

McKellyn Bradham 103

Elijah Talbott 128

Seamus House 135

Tom Elder 152

Total 518

Columbia Burbank Boys 18 Holes

Evan Harvill 78

Will Neylon 109

Total 187