FORT SMITH — If Endsley Evans hates Ben Geren Golf Course, imagine what she could do on a course she likes.
Evans, a Greenwood junior, shot a 1-under-par 72 to win the Class 5A girls state golf championship Wednesday. Evans’ best round of the year sparked the Lady Bulldogs to the team title with a three-player total of 244, eight strokes better than Hot Springs Lakeside.
The Lady Bulldogs’ other two scorers, Caitlyn Robbins and Katelyn Barton, shot 82 and 90.
The domination came on a course that serves as one of Greenwood’s home courses, and the Lady Bulldogs playedseven matches on Ben Geren this year.
“It’s a huge advantage,” Evans said. “I told Coach, ‘I’m sick of this course. I don’t want to play it again.’ Knowing it like the back of your hand helps.”
Greenwood Coach Ronnie Williams said each of his three scorers shot their best rounds of the year. It is the Lady Bulldogs’ first state title since 2007, when they won as hosts, a major reason Williams worked to get this year’s tournament at Ben Geren.
“I thought we had a chance to win,” Williams said. “This is our home course, and we’re up here a couple days a week. I truly believe when you play on your home course, it’s a five- to 10-stroke advantage.”
Evans won the individual title by three strokes over Wynne’s Caroline Boone. It’s her second golf state title after winning as a freshman in 2008 while at Liberty, Mo.
Evans, who led the Lady Bulldogs to a state basketball title as a sophomore, didn’t play well to start the year after returning from basketball camps this summer. But she began to improve in the past month as she got back into a golf rhythm.
Evans had plenty of help, especially from Robbins. Robbins had missed the conference tournament after injuring her back during her practice warmup on the driving range.
“It makes up a lot,” Robbins said. “I was glad I got to play. That was my best round ever.”CLASS 2A
St. Joseph wins again
CONWAY - Western Yell County’s Georgie Songsantiphap fired a 12-over-par 84 on Wednesday at Nutters Chapel Golf and Country Club to earn the medalist honors at the Class 2A girls state golf tournament.
Conway St. Joseph continued its mastery of the team championship. The Lady Bulldogs won their fifth consecutive title with a 289. Eureka Springs finished as the runner up with a 309.
Heather Moix of St. Joseph finished a stroke behind Songsantiphap with an 85. St. Joseph’s Jennifer Hegeman defeated Peyton Stafford of Horatio in a one-hole playoff to determine the final spot for the Overall tournament. Both Hegeman and Stafford shot a 90.
Sports, Pages 26 on 09/30/2010