Southern Wayne launched its Quad County 3A Conference girls’ golf campaign Monday afternoon with a fourth-place team finish on its home course, Southern Wayne Country Club. From left are Regan Stribble, Chloe Sullivan, Kenzi Aycock and Avery Jennette. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
DUDLEY — Trae McKee offered advice as he followed his golfers around the sun-splashed Southern Wayne Country Club links Monday afternoon.
He couldn’t have been more pleased.
With the exception of a few hiccups in different places, Southern Wayne finished fourth overall during its Quad County 3A Conference opener.
Regan Stribble ended up seventh overall with a 50. Teammate Avery Jennette, a first-year starter, carded a 55. Chloe Sullivan reported a nine-hole round of 58 to complete the team’s scoring total.
Newcomer Kenzi Aycock posted a 63.
Stribble escaped trouble on a couple of fairways, settled down and finished strong over the final five holes. The junior recorded her second consecutive round of 50 this season.
“Regan’s speed on the greens was a little off to start with, but she settled down and holed [out] some good putts to hang in there and made the most of her round,” McKee said. “From tee to green, Regan is very strong. Last season, she finished 11th in the conference [individually] and could be in the top five this year if she can take her time, keep her speed both uphill and downhill under control.”
West Johnston’s Jenna Underwood earned medalist honors with a 3-over-39. South Johnston’s Danielle Morgan turned in a 43, followed by Fike’s tandem of Kinsley Hill (45) and Payton Durham (47). South Johnston’s Reese Penny (48) rounded out the top five.
Fike picked up the team win — a 141-143 triumph over South Johnston. West Johnston (148) took third.
Jennette had her first-ever bogey and first-ever par in the same round of a match this season. She ripped a tee shot on the par-3, No. 8 hole to within 10 feet. Her putt rimmed the cup, but wouldn’t fall in.
“She tapped in for par,” McKee said. “Kenzi hung in there and is going to keep working hard. She will learn a lot from her experience today.”
As usual, Sullivan worked through a steady nine-hole round.
“Chloe hit the ball solid and when she cleans up the short game shots a little bit, she is going to score much better,” McKee said.
Stribble and Sullivan advanced to the NC High School Athletic Association eastern regionals last season as individuals. Stribble just missed qualifying for the state tournament by one stroke.
“Chloe has made a lot of improvement since last year and with a year under her belt, she knows what to expect,” McKee said. “I feel like if she can improve around the greens, qualifying for the regionals is something that she should seek to attain.
“Avery and Kenzi are just starting to play golf and have made rapid improvements during the preseason,” McKee said. “I know they are learning a lot and looking to make strides to contribute scores for our team.
“All of these girls are at the top of their class in GPA and super smart, funny and a lot of fun to be around. Consistent improvement is what we’re looking for [this season].”
You may reach sports writer Rudy Coggins at prepswriter2@gmail.com or call/text 919-709-9257.
