Junior Toshiko Conine-Nakano and Tro’Vonta Burgess practice their putts at the University of Georgia Golf Course on March 21. The two have been a member of the CCHS golf team for three years and look forward, along with head golf coach Brian Ash, to the upcoming matches. “At the end of the day at a match, we are not looking for if we are going to win this, because that might not happen,” Ash said. “Golf takes time. Golf is not a big sport at Clarke Central yet, so we are focusing on the kids who are interested in the game and getting better throughout the year.” Photo courtesy of Brian Ash.
By OLIVIA RIPPS – Sports Editor
The Clarke Central High School golf team will participate in the Ed Hoard Memorial Golf Tournament on March 27.
The Clarke Central High School golf team will take part in the 2017 Ed Hoard Memorial Golf Tournament on March 27.
The team has taken part in the event the past several years to honor Ed Hoard and his work in the Athens community.
“We have the Ed Hoard Classic on this upcoming Monday,” head boys golf coach Brian Ash said. “Ed Hoard was a part of the Athens Country Club for many years and he did a lot for junior golf in the area.”
In addition to CCHS, Athens Academy, North Oconee High School, Oconee High School, Jefferson High School and other schools in the Athens area will play an 18-hole match.
“I have played in this match for the past three years,” varsity golfer Tro’Vonta Burgess, a junior, said. “This game is a tournament and not a normal game, so there are a lot more schools and you really want to play as best as you can.”
Burgess is looking forward to the match and is hoping for more than a positive outcome.
“I am really excited to see who I play with and I hope I have fun but also that the weather is good. Last year it rained for part of it and that was really bad.”
Ash believes that even if the team doesn’t place, it is good opportunity for growth.
“Every opportunity that you get to play golf is good and fun for the team. Currently all we do at practice is hit balls on the range and on putting greens. So we are doing more than swinging. But hitting on the range can only help you so much. So when you are playing golf and keep score, you challenge yourself, even if you are playing bad.”
