Photo courtesy of LB Golf
The high school golf season tees off this week, highlighted by the annual Botetourt Metro Tournament at the Botetourt Golf & Swim Club.
The Metro was scheduled to begin Tuesday morning, too late for press deadlines. Lord Botetourt and James River were among a field of 18 teams scheduled to compete. In addition to the two Botetourt schools the field included Salem, William Byrd, Northside, Glenvar, Patrick Henry, Blacksburg, Franklin County, Staunton River, Cave Spring, Hidden Valley, Auburn, E.C. Glass, Halifax County, Floyd County, Radford and George Wythe.
The former two-day Bob McLelland Metro has become a one day event in recent years after the Daleville course became the annual site of the season opening tournament. Blacksburg won the Metro last summer and the Bruins were favorites to repeat.
Locally, James River golf looks very promising this year. The Knights have returning starters Landon Bolling, Mason Gilliland and Elizabeth Johnson.
“All three have improved their game and I’m excited to see how their hard work has paid off,” said River coach Donna Cox.
To fill out the top four positions will be freshman Braden Persinger.
“He is a very strong player and will contribute in a big way,” said Cox. “I’m also looking for rising junior Trenton Taylor and incoming freshman Charlie Tingler to contribute as well.”
This year is a unique year for James River in that five girls are trying out for the team.
“Potentially, we can have an all-girls team for some competitions,” said Cox.
The Knights were scheduled to open the season on Monday at Olde Mill in Laurel Fork. The Metro is Tuesday and on Thursday the Knights will play at Forest Park Country Club in Martinsville.
Lord Botetourt graduated eight of 12 players from last year’s team.
“We’ll be doing a little rebuilding this year,” said coach Todd Smith. “We do return two starters in junior Alisa Davidova, as well as senior Garrett Honts. Both will be leaned on to provide leadership and guidance for the younger golfers.”
Senior Jase Lyle and sophomore Kennedy Carpenter were on the team last year but didn’t play in any matches. Sophomore Cole Cecil is back after taking his freshman year off and should be a key contributor as well.
“We will have to see how the rest of the players do during tryouts to see who else will be playing,” said Smith with the season nearing.
After Tuesday’s Metro the Cavs will host a match at the Botetourt Golf & Swim Club next Tuesday, August 12.
