INDEPENDENCE — Iola High’s much-anticipated golf season teed off Thursday.
“It was a little humbling,” coach Doug Kerr said. “We didn’t play well, but nobody played well, either.”
The Mustangs claimed third place overall Thursday at the Independence Invitational at the Independence Country Club. Iola’s score of 358 was behind tournament champions and host Independence’s 339. Labette County was second at 343.
Iola was led by Kaden Macha, who missed out on the individual championship by a single stroke. He carded an 80 (39-41), one shot behind Gilvon Darkis of Labette County.
The Mustangs’ Drake Dieker finished in a tie for 17th with a 91 (48-43). One shot behind, and tied for 19th was Shane Walden (48-44—92). Weston Hines tied for 27th with a 85 (48-47).
Iola’s team score of 358 was tied with Columbus, but Iola took the third place by comparing its fifth-best score. Adam Peterson shot a 100 (53-47), which bettered the fifth-place finisher from Columbus.
Matt Jacobs shot a 106 (52-54) for the Mustangs.
“Independence has a tough course,” Kerr said. “The Bermuda is still dry and the ground was pretty hard. We just need to get in some more practice.”
Weather permitting, IHS will host the Iola Invitational at Allen County Country Club Wednesday. The touranment begins at 3 p.m.
Golfers hit links to kick off season
