CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

Martin County High School golf teams are off and swinging in the 2024 season.

Second-year head coach Boo Newsome opened practice for the girls and boys teams July 15 at the team’s home course, StoneCrest Golf Course.

Stonecrest has recently undergone major renovations, Newsome said, offering a great experience for the athletes.

The Lady Cards, led by senior Jaylee Deskins, junior state qualifier Kenadie Evans and Hannah Swartz, are joined this year by promising seventh grader Mia James.

They opened the season July 22 competing in the George Rogers Clark Invitational at the Winchester Country Club. Following a storm delay, the Lady Cards maneuvered through the tree-lined course. Evans shot an 88, tying for 22nd out of 70 golfers, while Deskins scored a 106, tying for 47th.

Evans also competed July 24 in the Kentucky Golf Coaches Association Invitational at Lake Side Golf Course in Lexington. This tournament is a key event for athletes seeking the prestigious KGCA golfer of the year scholarship, which Coach Newsome won in 2017. Evans posted a 95 on the challenging course, finishing in the top 50 in a field of 90.

The boys team is adjusting to the absence of last year’s state qualifier Jake James who graduated in the spring.

“With the loss of Jake we have a very young team,” Newsome commented.

Returning junior Avery Duncan and freshman Ryder Duncan opened the season July 22 in the Johnson Central Invitational at StoneCrest. Avery Duncan scored 117 and Ryder Duncan posted 122.

The team improved their performance in the East Carter Invitational on July 26 at Hidden Cove Golf Course in Grayson. Senior Drew Wilson and Ryder Duncan each scored 109, while Avery Duncan shot 112.

The teams have a busy schedule ahead, Newsome said, with the 15th Region All-A Tournament set for Aug. 20 at StoneCrest.