Harlan County’s Matt Lewis and Harlan’s Kevin Thomas Lee were winners Sunday in a regional qualifying tournament at the Wasioto Winds Golf Course in Pineville.
Lewis shot a 101 to win the 18-hole varsity match. Harlan’s Carson Murray was second with a 117 and teammate Aiden Johnson was third with a 178.
Lee was the winner on the nine-hole junior varsity match with a 54. Harlan’s Chris Taylor was second with a 65 and Harlan County’s Caleb Rose was third with a 68.
“Carson and Aiden were challenged today. They got their first experience on what a match at the region is going to be like and they responded well. Aiden made some fine shots and Carson had some really good approach shots,” Harlan coach Jeremy Lee said. “I am very proud of Kevin Thomas for getting his first win of the season. He’s been putting in the time to lower his scores and it’s starting to show. Chris Taylor is improving ever match and is hitting the ball much more consistently.”
“I’m proud of these kids. Today was a very hard round of golf. This was their first experience of the season playing the two tees and playing the ball down. The rains also made the course very long,” Harlan County coach Greg Lewis said. “Matt played very well today. He hit some very good shots. They hit, at times, three more clubs into greens than they normally would. The rough at Wasioto is about as tough as I’ve ever seen it right now. The next few weeks will be some difficult golf. Matt drove the ball exceptionally well given the conditions. He hit the ball very well, it just seemed like any time he missed a green or fairway it ended up in a difficult position. The experience was great for him as he had to learn to play with patience and he handled his frustrations very well. This qualifier will be very beneficial for him as the season moves to tournament time.
“Caleb is hitting the ball better and better each time out. He is our least experienced tournament golfer, so every time he tees it up is a learning experience. He’s putting in the work and his best golf is definitely coming in the near future.”