Beech Tree News Network

The BCHS Boys’ Golf ended the season on several good notes. Although in a rebuilding season, Coach Greg Moore exclaimed in joy, “I am ecstatic about the accomplishments by so many players on this year’s squad!”
After losing three seniors, two experienced players to work on personal jobs, and another exceptionally talented, young golfer to transfer within a short period, Coach Moore has scrambled to field a varsity team this year.
“Our team has transformed from a knowledgeable, veteran-like group into a young, unproven one,” Moore claimed. “However, this has definitely been a rewarding involvement,” he continued. “These young men worked hard and were determined to improve on their game.”
While the team did not win as many matches this season, their overall growth is what Coach Moore is most proud of. “Not only did we play within a handful of strokes in comparison to past team scores, but these guys managed to improve their individual play tremendously,” Coach Moore explained.
Leading the team throughout the season was sophomore, Cole Johnson. “This young man along with his twin-brother, Clay, have natural talent,” Moore said. “They are intelligent and have good hand-eye coordination, but most importantly, they led by example at all times for BCHS Golf through their dedication to become better.”
While Coach Moore was lucky to pick up the Johnson twins during last year’s season, he has had a competitive freshman around for a few years. “Zach West is coming into his on and has good game,” Moore evaluated. “I’d like for his maturity to continue and his potential could have a high ceiling,” he continued.
Rounding out the varsity team was two inexperienced young men. Sophomore, Justin Hudnall and Eighth-grader, Hunter Adcock, both completed their first full year on the team to much delight.
“Anyone that knows Hunter, knows what a smile he puts on your face just being around him,” cherished Moore. “Hunter never complains about working hard or the mental pressures the game of golf can put on a player.”
“Honestly, I could never tell how he had been playing. He just always grinned and said ‘good’ when I asked,” Moore laughed.
Moore bragged on Justin’s determination to do things correctly. “He may have one of the prettiest swings I have coached, but getting him more course time is critical for his game to take off,” Moore concluded.
The team is excited about the future and Coach Moore has goals to improve during the offseason. “We plan to do some things different than in the past,” he stated. “I hope to implement some fall and winter action to go along with voluntarily spring practices, too.”
Moore is concentrating on trying to build a program in the sport of golf. To help with that, he would like to have more opportunities for his younger boys who cannot play at the high school level due to KHSAA restrictions.
“I have two fifth-grade boys that are going on to do big things at BCHS if they continue to work the way they have,” Moore boasted.
Andrew Gill and Jonah Swift are both playing at a more advanced level for their age. Both were set to play in their first Middle School 18-hole tournament; until, Jonah broke his arm. Andrew went to Estill County, which is near Richmond, and impressed everyone in the tournament.
Although nervousness set in, Gill stayed poised and ultimately produced his best rounds of the year. He accomplished his season goal to shoot under 50 on nine holes. Actually, he blew that out of the water, going 47-48 and firing a 95 on the round.
Andrew states that he plays better with his older teammates and really enjoys meeting new people while playing a game he loves. He credits his mom for getting him involved in golf and the Junior GO Series that he played over the summer break in helping him play so competitively.
“This is his third year on the team and the only time he isn’t diligently practicing is when he takes a moment to share a smile and conversation with a teammate,” Coach Moore complimented. “He is there even when he is sick or not feeling his best.”
Like Coach Moore, Andrew would like to get a middle school team going. “Heck yeah, I want to play in more tournaments,” he shouted with excitement. He also had this to say to young people thinking about playing golf, “Come and try it; you never know if you’re good at it or not until you try.”
List of Regional Tournament Results:
Cole Johnson 90
Zach West 91
Clay Johnson 94
Hunter Adcock 128
Justin Hudnall 129

Fifth-grade golfer, Andrew Gill, son of Pat and Amy Gill, competed in a Middle School Golf Tournament in Estill County, KY last month. He represented Butler County with a remarkable 95 on 18 holes.