Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Boys Golf Team finished up the season with middle school regional play at Glasgow Country Club; then, the varsity squad traveled to Madisonville Country Club on Monday for the 2nd Region High School Tournament. Coach Greg Moore could not elaborate enough on how pleased he is with his golfers’ efforts.
“We had three middle school boys to finish in the 40’s at an extremely challenging course, which has greens that can be treacherous,” Coach Moore proudly boasted.
Leading the way, was Andrew Gill’s 46, which nearly qualified him for the state tournament. His score was good enough to be the first alternate if he is needed. Even if it is just middle school, it would be a first for a male-golfer to go to a state tournament event from here in Butler County, according to Moore’s recollection.
Jonah Swift and Drew Daugherty each fired a 48 to help the middle school charge, along with Adam Rogers coming in a touch over 60. “All these boys have worked exceptionally hard to get to this point. I am very pleased with where our program is headed; and, honestly, if this group puts in the work, they could make a run at going to state as a team in the future,” Coach exclaimed.
Moore started taking his younger boys, who don’t get to play in many varsity matches, to compete in middle school invitational tournaments last season. Many of them continued to play tournaments throughout the offseason as well.
“Several of my golfers took advantage of the Go-Series, which provides numerous tournaments that take place once school is out for the summer break; and, it helps the young golfer with the pressure of playing in front of so many people,” Moore explained.
Going to state takes quite an accomplishment. The varsity squad did the best of any group Moore has ever coached over the past six years at the 2nd Region Tournament earlier this week. “It takes four scores under 80 to go as a team or at least near at it,” Moore stated.

Cole Johnson finished with a score of 80 on the scorching-hot day, which Moore is confident on that being a record from a BCHS boys’ golfer in regional tournament play. His 76 that he carded at an invitational earlier in the season is another record, also. His brother, Clay Johnson, finished with an 84, too.
“Wow, is all I can say. These young men have embraced this sport with such an awesome perspective, and they are absolutely deserving of all accolades,” Coach Moore asserted. “They not only represent our school in scoring but, etiquette on the course and leadership for our younger boys, too,” Moore continued.
Along with Cole and Clay leading the way, seventh-grader, Andrew Gill, came in with a 92 to help support the varsity squad. “This was Andrew’s first year to play in postseason play because of KHSAA rules, and he made the most of it. His score was good enough to put him in the middle of the pack out of nearly 100 golfers; whereas, Cole and Clay finished 15th and 28th, respectively,” Coach Moore rejoiced.

Justin Hudnall and Matthew Gill rounded out the scoring for the Bears. Hudnall’s 115 and Gill’s 117 were both personal bests, or near at it. “These young men have both put in much effort to improve this season, and I cannot say enough good things about them. Matthew has another year, and I am excited to see his approach this offseason; because, he along with Bailey Hunt, another junior, is going to be leaders for a young team,” Moore said.
The Bears clawed out 11 wins on the season compared to 15 losses. Many of those matches could have gone in favor of the Bears, who lost four by an average of three strokes each. “A winning record would have been nice; however, there is so much more than wins and losses,” Moore cringed.
“Our boys are fortunate to have great home lives. Nobody would understand how many people come out and support our program,” Moore praised. “Parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends rent every cart at the course to watch our boys do what they enjoy,” Moore sustained.
The golf team is also thankful to Hidden Valley and the Robbins’ family for all they do for golf in our community. Without the opportunity to have a home course, practices and matches would consist of traveling elsewhere. In addition to having a home course, the golfers are offered friendly, yearly rates by Hidden Valley.