WALLA WALLA–The Sub-District Golf Match, held May 1 at Veterans Memorial, finished with the top half of the field advancing to the District match in Yakima May 8, none of those golfers were Wolfpack.

"Though we did not send any golfers on to the district tournament," said Head Coach Mike McGhan, "I was proud of the way they all competed. During the regular season, we have the kids pick up their ball once their score hits double par on each hole. This saves time and relieves some of the pressure on inexperienced golfer. This match reflected their true scores so the scores may seem inflated."

Due to a plethora of circumstances, this Sub-District match was also the first time Dayton-Waitsburg put its full team on the links, McGhan said.

"This was the first match where we had everyone available," the coach noted. "Cayle Davis is our only experienced golfer but he has missed several matches and practices, so he was a bit rusty."

Nevertheless, Davis missed the District cut off by just eight strokes. "It is easy to see that he would have qualified if not for a slow start this season," McGhan said. Davis finished with a 114 score on the 18-hold, par 72 course.

Carson Potter carded a 121. "Carson shot a consistent round," McGhan said.

William Daves finished with a 162. "William has worked on his swing a pace and it showed in that he was not constantly playing out of the trees," McGhan said. 

On the women's team, Abbi Paolino made some excellent shots, McGhan said, yet finished with a 144. "We just need to build on hitting each shot more consistently," the coach observed.

The other women players, Opal Hair-Morin and Sarah Daves, finished with 153 and 154, respectively.

"This was Opal's first competitive golf match ever and her nerves were showing a bit before the match," McGhan said. "Her first drive however, was the best I've seen her hit the ball. She played tough and only had one bad hole that hurt her score.

Sarah Daves's game was steady today, McGhan noted, with only a couple holes giving her trouble. "Her shot-making has improved tremendously over the past couple of weeks," he said.

"Putting still seems an enigma to this young team," the coach said. "With only one golfer with experience (Cayle), it is difficult for the others to see what it takes to play and focus for 18 holes. Cayle has been an excellent leader, but he has not been healthy and available for much of the season."

-Loyal Baker