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Tigers place fourth at Big 8 Conference golf tourney
CARTHAGE — Making their inaugural appearance in the Big 8 Conference golf Tournament, the Nevada Tigers placed fourth at Tuesday’s 12-team event.
Springfield Catholic emerged as conference tournament champions, while Mount Vernon and Monett rounded out the top three schools. Springfield Catholic’s Dane Puckett captured the individual crown, carding a 2-under-par 69. Monett’s Clayton Kaiser placed runner-up, finishing one stroke back of Puckett.
“As anticipated, (we) had another good outing in the team competition,” said Nevada head coach, Brian Leonard.
A trio of Nevada golfers earned All-Conference accolades, with the criteria being a top 20 individual finish .
Competing on the Carthage Municipal Golf Course links, Nevada senior Bronson Smith fired an 18-hole, 8-over-par 79 en route to a fifth-place medal. Nevada freshman Owen Swearingen trailed just behind in sixth-place, carding a 10-over-par 81.
NHS senior Carter Swearingen, meanwhile, finished in a five-way tie for 16th, concluding with a 16-over-par 87 — while freshman Cordell Cox rounded out Nevada’s team scorecard (108). Nevada’s fifth golfer, sophomore Pierson Dennison, shot a 114.
With the district tournament looming just around the corner, Leonard said his squad will turn its attention to finishing strong.
“Bronson, Owen, and Carter struggled on the back-nine,” Leonard said. “We will be working on ways we can finish strong (on) the last several holes. We will work on the mental game throughout the rest of this week.”
Added Leonard: “Mental fatigue can cause lack of focus throughout the later part of their round, which will then challenge your decision-making ability. If not prepared, this will bring your score up (via) silly and detrimental mental mistakes.”
The Missouri Class 3 District 6 state-qualifying tournament is slated for April 29 at Cassville Golf Club.
Nevada tee times: Smith, 9 a.m., hole No. 1; Owen Swearingen, 9:08 a.m., No. 1; Carter Swearingen, 9:16 a.m., No. 1; Pierson Dennison, 9:16 a.m., No. 10; Cordell Cox 9:40 a.m. No. 10.