Albany golfers play in Merkel

By Melinda L. Lucas

Three Albany golfers competed in their first tournament of the season last week when they traveled to the Tin Cup Country Club in Merkel on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

Ayden Balliew shot a 97 for seventh place out of 30 golfers, while Lute Wheeler was right behind him with a 99 for eighth place. Houston Heatly also played, recording a score of 107.

“For very little practice and considering the conditions, these are pretty good scores for their first high school tournaments,” said coach Tate Thompson. 

All three of last week’s players are freshmen.

“As the round went on, these guys started hitting the ball better,” said the coach. “With some practice, they will find a little more consistency.”

Local golfers were in Hawley the first part of this week, but results weren’t available at press time.

They are not on the schedule to compete again until the week of March 22, with Baird hosting meets at Shady Oaks Golf Course.

The first round of district is set for Monday, April 5, followed by round two on April 7. The district tournament will be played at Maxwell Municipal Golf Course in Abilene.