Gentry's 38 Paces Avon Park Linksters Past Hardee

AVON PARK - Overcoming the elements.
Despite blustery conditions and the threat of rain, the Avon Park High School boys golf team was able to come away with a win in Thursday's dual match against Hardee.

The Class 1A Red Devils had a four-person score of 164, while the Wildcats came in with a 166 in the nine-hole match that was played over the demanding 3,200-yard, par 36 Pinecrest Golf Club layout.

Freshman left-hander Greg Gentry led Avon Park with a 2-over 38, while sophomore Evan Danzey carded a 41, sophomore Clay Davis came in with a 42 and senior Josh Sommerfield finished with a 43.

The win improved the Red Devils to 6-2 on the season.
"It was a good win for us" Avon Park coach Bobby Barben said. "I thought our scores were pretty good considering how hard the wind was blowing.

"The last five holes were dead into the wind and we lost a few shots over those holes, but we hung in there and got it done."

The loss dropped the Class 1A Wildcats to 7-2 on the season.
Senior Kaleb Saunders paced Hardee with a 3-over 39, which included a triple-bogey on the last hole.

Junior Ben Krause fired a 40, Jake Crews carded a 40 and Brek McClenithan carded a 47.
"The conditions were tough, but we made a bunch of mental mistakes and gave away some shots down the stretch," Hardee coach George Heine said. "Kaleb had a good round going until he hit his drive out-of-bounds on the last hole.

"The kids are working hard on their games and we'll keep working to lower our scores and get ready for the district tournament."

UP NEXT:
Hardee is back in action on Thursday with a tri-match in Lake Wales.
Avon Park swings back in action with a tri-match against All-Saints and Lake Region in Winter Haven on Thursday.