As the golfers teed off at the Buck Quincy Invitational Monday, one thing was certain.
The wind was going to make life miserable for everybody.
“The wind took over the game,” noted Iola’s Xander Sellman, whose 89 was good enough to tie him for third, six strokes behind teammate and champion Brennen Coffield.
“I’d hit a good chip, and the wind would push it one way. Then I’d have a good putt and the wind would push it another.”
Coffield’s 83 tied with Zahid Lira of Pittsburg. Coffield was awarded first place through the state’s new tiebreak system, which measures the players’ scores over their final nine holes. Coffield shot a 40 over his last nine, one stroke better than Lira.
“The wind definitely affected some shots, where to aim, and definitely the distances,” Coffield agreed. “It was a matter of just trying to survive.”
Coffield and Holloway were joined in the top 10 by Iola’s Christopher Holloway, who carded a 94 for 10th.
“I’m proud of them,” Iola head coach Jeremy Sellman said. “They did pretty well with the conditions. Today was a management day. They had to try to manage holes and not let it get out of control. But I’m sure if you ask Brennen or Xander or Chris, none of them are satisfied with their scores.”
“I definitely could have been a lot better,” Coffield agreed.
Holloway compared his golf game Tuesday to a blind man trying to drive a car.
“I’d have a good hole, then go and hit out of bounds on my next drive. And that would fall over to my next hole. My game is 100% mental right now.”
The Mustangs had little time to reflect on their scores. They were at Emporia Tuesday for another golf tournament, one that Coach Sellman said will give the team a good look at what they need to improve as the season hits the home stretch.
As an aside, the Class 3A State Tournament will be at the same Emporia course.
“The varsity season is about to ramp up,” Coach Sellman said. “We’re looking forward to seeing what the Emporia course brings.”
Holloway was eager to work with his coach on his mental approach, particularly at Emporia, “to work through some things.”
