COVINGTON, Ga. -- After round one at the Newton Cup, it’s Eastside out in front — much like it’s been all season.
The Eagles boys’ golf team came into part one of the all-county match Monday without a blemish on its record. And after day one, that undefeated status remains.
Eastside shot a team score of 168 with Newton coming in second with shooting a collective 250 and Alcovy a 256 during blustery and chilly conditions.
Eastside sophomore Griffin Autry paced the Eagles by shooting a 39 while Landon Farill and Curtis Broadnax both shot a 42. Those performances for the Eastside trio have been on par with how they’ve led the team throughout its undefeated start.
So while the Eagles’ overall lead isn’t a surprise, it doesn’t mean there isn’t progress happening at the other two schools.
For instance, Newton golf coach Rick Rasmussen expressed his pleasure in how his young team fought through less than ideal conditions and a superior opponent in Eastside.
Newton senior Brice Smith led the Rams shooting a 60, while sophomore Jacob Schneider recorded a 61. Although three of Newton’s top first-round scorers are seniors, Rasmussen points out that much of his team is made up of first-time golfers.
“Our team is made up of very inexperienced players who just picked up the game this past year or two,” Rasmussen said. “When you are not experienced, every weather or course condition that is more challenging makes an even bigger difference.”
At tee time Monday afternoon, temps were struggling to reach the 50 degree mark, and winds were gusting as high as 30 miles per hour. Additionally, the course was still wet in spots from Sunday night’s rain.
Given all that, Rasmussen feels he has reason to be impressed and optimistic with his team’s performance. He also offered up high praise for Eastside’s success.
“We are in second place going into next Wednesday’s final nine holes, at The Oaks,” he said. “We will have to play well to secure our spot over Alcovy. As for Eastside, their team is a very experienced, veteran team, so their low scores were to be expected.
“Our team hung in there and should score better next week in round two.”
