Brayden Casolari, an eighth-grader at Cumberland Elementary School and member of the Harlan County High School golf team, won the 14-and-under division at the preseason Alice Lloyd Golf Showcase at Stonecrest Golf Course in Prestonsburg on July 20. He shot a 39, winning his division by one shot while recording the lowest score for the event.
The event was comprised of four divisions (14 and under, 15-16, 17-18 and ladies division). Each division played from age-appropriate tees. Awards were given for the top three places in each division.
“We came to play this without a day of practice. Brayden has played several events this summer and has made tremendous improvements. He had the overall low score for the event,” said Harlan County High School golf coach Greg Lewis. “Brayden put on a driving clinic. He struck the ball very well off the tee. He missed a few putts that could have really given him a low score. He hit a couple shots into a couple places that were hard to recover from. When his wedges catch up to his driving he’s really going to put up some good numbers.”
Matt Lewis, also a member of the HCHS golf team, tied for fourth in the 17-18 year old division with a 44.
“Matt has rebuilt his swing with Jason Gandy out of Willow Creek in Knoxville, so I was excited to see him test his new swing in tournament action. Two bad holes cost Matt. We had never seen the course, and I gave him incorrect lines to greens that cost him. He putted the ball extremely well.”
Casolari and Lewis are expected to be leaders for this year’s HCHS golf squad after successful seasons in 2020.
“The exciting thing for me is neither of my guys played their best and had great results. I’ll put these two up against any two players in our conference,” Lewis said. “As Matt gets more comfortable with his new movements and Brayden dials in his wedges, they are going to play really well.”