Lowering the bar
Golfers shoot best match under Hughes a second time
By JARED PUTNAM Union Sentinel Editor

Earlier this season the Panthers golf team posted a 160 against Fannin County, the team's lowest [best] performance in the nine years that Head Coach Jim Hughes has led the team.

Last week the team again brought their best stuff in a rematch against Fannin, establishing a new best with a 159 versus Fannin's 179.

Freshman Michael Akin came in with an even par round that included seven pars and one birdie, to finish with a 37, which also qualified as the team's low round of the year.

Colton Beattie came in second with a 39, Josh Colwell finished third with a 40, and both Caleb Kelley and Jake Levens each had a 43. In the girls match, Morgan Bentley finished second with a 55, which included two pars.

"Now we have to work on turning this into 18 holes, and staying consistent for 18 holes," Coach Hughes said.

The Panthers also won another match against Hayesville, their second victory over the Yellow Jackets this season. The Panthers shot a 164 to Hayesville's 186.

"Five of our top six golfers came in with a 43 or lower," Coach Hughes said. "I was pleased with the consistency there."

Jake Levens led the team with a 38, while Jake Farner came in close behind with a 41. Josh Colwell finished third with a 42, while Colton Beattie and Michael Akin each ended play with a 43.

Morgan Bentley played in tournament conditions, finishing with a 54. "It was her low round, so she was quite happy with that," Coach Hughes said.

The Panthers also played the Rabun County boys team that finished third in the region last year. "Like us they are young and got most of [their players] back," Coach Hughes said, explaining that he puts them as one of the favorites to win the region.

The Panthers shot a 171, but were trumped by Rabun's 157. "I thought [our score] was a respectable score for being away from home," the coach said.

The Panthers were led by Jake Levens who shot a 39, which was three over par and was the second lowest round turned in during the day.

Freshman Michael Akin came in second with a 42, followed by Caleb Kelley with a 43, and Jake Farner with a 47.

"Again, I would like those scores to be a little lower, but being away from home, they really were not all that bad," the coach said.

For the girls, freshman Morgan Bentley finished second with a 56.