They are both returning to the state tournament, though last year it was Owensboro Catholic that won the region and Daviess County was the runner-up. This year they switched positions, but the two teams are again making the trip together to the boys golf state tournament at the Bowling Green Country Club.
Both teams made the cut last year and will be looking to repeat that success, but they’d like to finish even better if they can.
Daviess County head coach Lars King is hoping to improve upon a 10th-place finish from a season ago, and his golfers have the talent to do just that. They shot a 320 to win the Region 2 tournament, but King said they have the ability to break 300.
“We just have to play our own game,” he said. “If we play well, we can make the cut. If we play really well, we could be a top five or six team.”
Owensboro Catholic head coach Bretnea Turner said she’s not sure what to expect with a young group, but they at least want to make it to the second day. Last year, the Aces made the cut by one stroke.
“I don’t have any expectations for the state tournament except that I know a couple of guys will gain a lot of experience just from being there,” Turner said. They fell blessed to be there. They understand this was not a given for them.”
The Aces team features a pair of sophomores, one freshman and two eighth-graders. Turner said they realize it’s a tall task to qualify for Saturday.
“They know that’s a long shot,” she said. “They know they’re young and inconsistent. They also know they’re there for a reason, so they’re still going to play for it.”
Each team has its own standout leader — Daniel Love for DCHS and Jakob Wellman for OCHS — who they’ll rely on for low rounds.
Love finished in a tie for second at the region tournament, and he was bested by Wellman’s round of 1-over-par.
Turner said Wellman will have to shoulder the expectation of leading the Aces to a strong outing.
“I know Jakob will feel the pressure of making that cut because we did last year,” she said. “Even if they don’t make is as a team, Jakob will feel the pressure to make it as an individual. If there’s a player on the team I can put that on, it’s him.”
Love won’t have quite as heavy a burden, as his teammates have largely been consistent in posting low scores all season. After their practice round Friday, King said he feels like the team is ready.
“We had to get out there and get at it in the practice round,” he said. “They did a good job. We talked about a few strategic things and got a basic plan together — stay patient throughout the day and do what you’re capable of.”
The Aces have been practicing all year for stiff competition. Turner said while her team doesn’t like to lose, it can help them know what they need to do to get better.
“I’m always telling my guys they are young and every bit of experience they can get, we should take it,” she said. “We go to some of the hardest tournaments in the state, and we lose every time. But I truly think that with the strength of schedule that we play and the competition that we play, it makes them a better player.”
King said for the Panthers, they’ve got enough experience they should do well. He said playing in tournament with better teams works to their advantage because it gives them a chance to get into a better rhythm. Still, he said, they’ll have to stay focused.
“It’s all about around the greens out here at Bowling Green,” he said. “If they can limit the silly mistakes off the tee and keep the ball below the hole, I have high expectations for all of them.”
To make the cut, the Panthers and Aces would have to be one of the top 12 teams at the end of Friday’s round. If the team doesn’t advance, any individual in the top 20 players not on a qualifying team will also advance.
