Pioneers take on Lake Tansi
WCHS shoots 368 in Golf Capital Classic
The Warren County High School boys golf team got another early-season lesson Tuesday, battling one of Tennessee's most challenging courses while competing in the Golf Capital Classic at Lake Tansi.
The Pioneers finished with a team score of 368 against a field loaded with Upper Cumberland powers. Walker Valley won the tournament with a 307, followed by Stone Memorial at 315. The packed field also included Upperman (321), Cookeville Red (328), White County (337), Rhea County (357) and Cumberland County (376).
Senior Noel Davis continued his strong start to the season, leading Warren County with an 82, staying consistent with 42 on the front and 40 on the back nine. Grayson Potter followed with a 93, Aidan van Vuuren shot a 96 and Sawyer Caten finished at 97 to round out the team score. Aden Johnson shot 100, with his score dropped for the final four-team tally.
Coach JW Holt wasn't discouraged by the results, knowing the course presents challenges unlike many others the Pioneers will face this season.
"We didn't play as well as we did last week," said Holt. "Lake Tansi plays tough in that most holes have OB on both the left and right of the fairways. Super nice course, but you typically see scores a little higher than most other courses we play."
The tournament came on the heels of an encouraging week for the Pioneers. Warren County tied for third in a six-team match at Franklin County last Thursday, where Davis earned co-medalist honors with an even-par 37 while the Pioneers shot 171 as a group.
Tuesday marked another first for Warren County's young lineup.
"Noel was our only player that has played 18 holes on that course before today," Holt said. “(It’s)Definitely a learning experience for our younger golfers - Just have to keep building from each match."
The Pioneers entered the season replacing one of the most successful senior classes in program history, one that included college golfers Kylan Jones, Ty Childers, Turner Bryant and Zach Seibers. Holt believes the current group has the potential to compete for a region berth but knows there is work to do.
"We shot a team 368," Holt said. "We need to be in the 320-330 range to compete in our district for a region bid."
