East Lake (320) and Dunedin (332) advanced at the state Region Five Golf Tournament today at Wentworth Golf Club in Tarpon Springs knocking Plant (333), Chamberlain (346), and Gaither (the district 10 teams) out of the state playoffs. Ian McConnell with a one over par 72 and Matt Kotay at 73 were the individuals to advance to the state playoff next week.
The Chiefs' sophomore leader Gary Buffington shot a Chamberlain team leading 79 thus lacking six shots from making the state championship tournament. Gary had a tough start and was three over through five holes then had a birdie, but it was quickly followed by a double bogie. He hit just three greens in regulation as the iron game struggled, but the short game held him in the tournament with multiple up and downs and only 25 putts. In spite of the struggles, Gary maintained focus, played tough and finished eighth for the Tournament and low man for the Chiefs.
As Gary's Grandpa, I am very proud of the season he had. He led the team in scoring average (1.83 over par) for the 13 regular season matches and was team medalist or tied for team medalist in 12 out of 15 matches. He was match medalist or tied for medalist (winner) in five of 15 matches. In the playoffs he shot 74/79 to finish second and eighth and again led the team. These scores are about 4 shots better than his freshman year.
Chiefs' junior Brett Blair proved he can be helpful to the team as he took second for the Chiefs with a round of 83. If Brett can stay on the active play list next year he can be a contributor to the team. Far off their season averages Freshman Trevor Joseph shot 91 and Sophomore Skyler Estes shot 93. The scores reflect the difficulty of the course.
With one junior, three sophomores and a freshman, the young Chiefs should be a factor in the region in 2009. Check the 2008 statistics for an idea of what we have in store for the future of Chiefs' golf.
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