SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

Brock Walker stalking a putt on #4

The Elk City Boys High School Invitational turned into a test of survival as much as a test of golf. With a consistent wind of 35 mph, gusts of up to 60 mph, and temperatures in the low 50’s, you can throw away “par” 72 and just try to survive, get the round over, go get some hot chocolate, and go to the next tournament. Also, throw away par, and the good players are happy breaking 80.

Hole #7 Flagstick

We all knowthat there is no golf in Oklahoma if there isn’t any wind, and that is why states like Oklahoma and Texas consistently produce more good players than all the other states, but on Monday, it went beyond “wind” and it was hard to enjoy being out there. But over sixty kids played, endured the elements and finished. And some of them did very well. In total, there were 10 rounds of 79 or under, with Joby Gray (Elk City) and visiting cousin Logan Gray (El Reno) tying for first at 74; Logan won the playoff.

The Hunchback of Notredame?
No, it is the wind that got inside
his jacket!

Once more, Elk City’s team showed that they are serious contenders for a second straight state title as they won by found shots, 313 to 317 over Heritage Hall. Sure, they were playing at home, but in the last three outings they have a second and two firsts. Other scores from Elk City were: Keegan Hall – 79, Berek Dyson – 79, Brock Walker – 81, Bobby Babcock – 83 and Cody Lake – 85. Congratulations to all. It goes on to show that hard work pays off!

A special thanks goes to Elk City Golf & C.C. for allowing the kids to use the course for a full day, to Ann Cowan, Joe Wynn, Jack Morrison, Kenneth Shuelein, Leonb Stuart, Myra Baker, Alan Robison, Rusty Wilson and all those members who allowed the coaches to use their private carts, to coach Garrett Mantle, and to Inter Bank for providing lunch for players, coaches and guests.

For more pictures, click on the link below:
http://cid-515395678268ef75.photos.live.com/play.aspx/ELK%20CITY%20BOYS%20H.S.%20INVITATIONAL?Bsrc=EMSHHM&Bpub=SN.Notifications&sa=249026587