Wildcat golf third at Gardner; Welch, Svoboda medal

By Andy Brown
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Updated: April 8, 2015

GARDNER – The Louisburg golf team didn’t need to shake off much rust in its first tournament of the season.

Louisburg competed in the 12-team Gardner-Edgerton Invitational on Monday in Gardner and the Wildcats finished third in the team standings with a 327. The Wildcats also had two individual medalists.

Junior Hogan Welch had a strong performance his first time out as he finished sixth with a 77 and fellow junior T.J. Svoboda was 10th with a 78 on the par 71 course.

The drizzly and windy conditions caused problems for some teams, but the Wildcats were able to adjust and put together a good team performance.

“We did not have one score in the 100’s and had two in the 70’s, so I was very happy,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “We were missing Ty Martin and I know we would have got second if he would have been able to make it.

“The course was in good condition. It took a while for some of the guys to work with the brakes and speeds of the greens. The wind made it more difficult, but the dampness helped with the approach shots.”

Welch started his day a little rocky, but finished it strong as he shot an even par on the back nine to secure his first medal of the season. Svoboda, like Welch, shot a 41 on his first nine holes, but was just 1-over par on the final nine.

“Hogan shot even par on the back because he got his short game going which we have dedicated our time to this season,” Burns said. “T.J. has been working at the course (Metcalf Ridge) and playing a lot of golf when he is done with work. He has put in the work to become a better golfer.”

Senior Logan Glenn was next on the team with an 82 and finished 18th overall. Another senior, Brady Lambeth shot a 90 and finished 30th.

Sophomore Nick Welch finished with a 92 and senior Nathan Moore shot a 96 to round out the Wildcat team scores.

“I believe all the golfers having good weather to practice and dedication to the short game really helped the beginning of the season scores,” Burns said. “Also, our course (Metcalf Ridge) can be difficult, so playing an easier course helped our scores.”

Paola shot a 320 to win the tournament by four strokes. De Soto was second with a 324. Paola’s Tyler Dent took home top individual honors with a 74 and De Soto’s Jacob Kerr was second with a 75.