Duncan leads Cards through opening golf tournament stretch

Cardinals golfer Ryder Duncan with the ball from his first career eagle on hole 12 at StoneCrest July 20. (Courtesy photo by Boo Newsome)

BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

Martin County opened the 2026 golf season with a pair of strong tournament appearances, highlighted by a career round from sophomore Ryder Duncan and the program’s best finish at the Johnson Central Invitational in three years.

The Cardinals began tournament play July 20 at StoneCrest Golf Course. They placed 11th among 24 teams at the Johnson Central High School Invitational.

Duncan led Martin County with a career-low 5-over-par 77. This score tied him for 20th in a field of 140 golfers. His record-setting round included the first eagle of his career on hole No. 12.

Senior Gaven Grace carded a 93. Sophomore Blake Lemaster followed with a 94. Cardinal Dylan Hale shot a 96 and Tyler Stacy completed his first high school tournament with a 116.

“I am so proud of this team,” Martin County coach Boo Newsome said. “It was a great start to the season for the Cardinals.”

Martin County returned to action July 24 at the East Carter Invitational at Hidden Cove Golf Course. The Cards finished 18th among 23 teams with a score of 376.

Duncan once again paced the Cardinals. He turned in an 86. Grace finished three strokes behind with an 89 and Lemaster added a 95.

Hale rounded out Martin County’s four counting scores with 106. Stacy continued gaining experience in his second tournament and finished with a 126.

MCHS golfers Gaven Grace, Blake Lemaster, Ryder Duncan, Dylan Hale and Tyler Stacy at StoneCrest on July 20. (Courtesy photo by Boo Newsome)

Martin County boys return their entire lineup from last season, which allows Newsome to challenge the Cards with several tournaments before postseason play begins in September.

“I have a lot of new girls that are learning the game, so their tournament schedule isn’t as full as the boys,” Newsome said. “Boys are all returning, so they are ready to play in tournaments.”

August begins with the Model Tournament on Aug. 3 at Arlington Golf Club. Martin County will compete in the All ‘A’ Region tournament Aug. 10 at StoneCrest before the boys and girls travel to the Paintsville Invitational on Aug. 15.

The schedule also includes the Henry Clay Invitational for the boys Sept. 5. Martin County’s boys regional tournament is scheduled for Sept. 21, followed by the girls regional tournament Sept. 22.

Regular match days at StoneCrest are set for Aug. 4, Aug. 11, Aug. 18, Aug. 25, Sept. 1, Sept. 8 and Sept. 15. Additional events could be added Aug. 22, Aug. 28 and Aug. 29.

Mia James is the only returning member of the girls team and will provide leadership for a roster of players learning the sport.

“She will be really good,” Newsome said.

James is also a member of the Martin County volleyball team, so her golf tournament schedule will primarily include events closer to home. The arrangement will allow her to compete in both sports while the Cardinals newcomers gain experience through practices and regular-season matches.

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