With the state golf tournament next week in Arkadelphia, the Shiloh golf team is preparing to win it all. Coming off of a 4A Region 1Golf Tournament win of 10 strokes, the Saints are confident about state. At regional’s, Chase Wakefield and Trent Tollett tied for 3rd overall with a 77, and Tyler Kelsay shot a 78. David Matthews finished with an 81. The 4A Region 1 Golf Tournament allows each team to play four players, and to take the top 3 scores to combine to make their final score.In preparation for next week, the Saints will practice two times at the Creeks, and two times at Paradise Valley. Coach Slaughter, the head coach of the golf team, says that they are just going to hit a lot, and to putt a lot. “All four of my guys have the ability to shoot in the 70’s, which is great. Not many teams in the state, or the nation, can say that,” says Coach Slaughter.
Wakefield, one of the four golf players, believes if the team doesn’t let nerves get to them they can come out with on top. With the short game as his strength, Wakefield hopes he can use this to his advantage over the other teams. With regards to Coach Slaughter, Wakefield says he’s a great guy and wouldn’t want to travel to state with anyone else. Lastly, Wakefield feels like Coach Slaughter is more than a coach, but more like a role model.
Although the Saints have a great team, the state tournament will not be a walk in the park. Some of the state’s best will be at the tournament. Wakefield noted that the one team they are worried about the most is Fordyce. Lane Hulse, from Fordyce, shot 3- under par to help his team win their regional tournament. Nevertheless, Coach Slaughter says, “If we don’t three putt, don’t double bogey, and most of all play smart, we can win this tournament”.
