BROWNSTOWN
One tough hole can make the difference in a golf match.
At Hickory Hills, hole No. 4, a 157-yard par 3, was the hole that made a big difference in a 165-179 Braves victory against visiting Seymour on Friday.
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Many of the Owls golfers hit their tee shot into the water, multiple times, which hurt both their team and individual scores. The green, which also bears a steep slope, hurt the Owls’ short game.
For the Braves, it was business as usual on their home course.
“We didn’t play as well near as we have been,” Seymour coach Jim Hoffman said. “Hole four really hurt my first five. We took some pretty big scores. I think we didn’t see the wind in our face and we were hitting it a little short as well as putting. It probably cost us nine to 10 strokes.”
Braves senior Lance Hackman finished medalist by shooting a 38.
Next for the Braves was senior Levi Sweeney and Hunter Browning, who each shot 42s on the afternoon.
Seth Berry completed the Braves’ scoring tallying 43.
On Monday, Brownstown shot a 177.
“Monday was chilly and we had 20 to 30 mile per hour winds, and today was perfect for golf,” Brownstown Central coach Brandon Allman said. “Today, I was pleased with (Hunter) Browning, who has been consistent. He’s been right there from 41 and 42 to the 45 range. I’m also pleased with Lance (Hackman). I do think some of the guys at the bottom need to tighten up and be a little consistent.”
For the Owls, freshman Keaton Simpson led the way with a 41.
Owls junior Brady Marshall and freshman Tyler Bullard each posted 45 and senior Seth Berry rounded out team scoring with a 48.
“Brady Marshall surprised me a little bit,” Hoffman said. “He’s coming off shooting a 67 last week and has been hitting the ball pretty well. He just got off to a bad start. We (as a team) are taking a couple steps forward, and one step back every once in a while.
“I’m still happy with our progression. We had a little setback but that’s just part of it.”
The Owls and Braves each will compete at Otis Park in Bedford today for a 19-team tournament. Many sectional opponents and state-caliber teams will hit the links.