By DAVID WOOD, for The Democrat
The Brown County boys golf team walked onto the dewy green seeded eighth of 12 schools at Monday’s IHSAA sectional.
By the afternoon, the Eagles’ placement was set, as they finished eighth overall with a combined score of 399.
However, the team still has hope in junior Parker VanNess, who advances to Thursday’s regional tournament with an individual score of 78.
VanNess placed fourth in the field of 56, narrowly missing third in a tiebreaker to Bedford North Lawrence golfer Ethan Stanley.
“I didn’t do that great, but all things considered, the course was playing really hard, in my opinion. It was really windy the last three or four rounds, so that made it really tough,” VanNess said.
This will be his third consecutive trip to regionals at Champions Pointe Golf Club, site of the tournament for the last several years and one he’s grown to know quite well.
“It’s not the easiest course, but definitely one you can score on if you’re playing well,” he said.
However, his two previous visits hadn’t gone as planned, with VanNess missing state on both occasions. “Last two years have been really bad, maybe mid-to low 80s,” he said.
“If I had to guess, from the last two years, a 73 or below will get you into state. But you never know depending on the conditions.”
A year older and wiser, VanNess believes his game is now in a better place to not only advance, but to win regionals outright.
“I want to go over there and win. If you’re going, I can’t see why you wouldn’t want to.”
Head Coach Brad Baughman knew VanNess had a high chance of moving on, but said he was still impressed with his ability to battle course conditions when the going got tough.
“Parker has really impressed me with his ability to battle, especially when he is not playing well,” he said.
“He could have scored better in the sectional, but all in all, I think he met the challenge and performed admirably.”
While hopes are still alive for VanNess, Baughman is already looking toward next season.
He expressed dismay at losing senior Ben Rygiel, but he believes the team has the ability to improve with incoming freshman Cooper VanNess.
“Ben had a really solid senior season. I wish he had another year of eligibility, because I believe he is just starting to understand the game. It was obvious that he developed more passion for it this season. He will be missed.
“We pick up Parker’s younger brother Cooper, who will help us next year. … All we need is three guys to shave off four or five strokes each and every round, and we could be a real factor. It is not an improbable task.”
