Golfers Swing Into More Action

WALLA WALLA - Dayton and Waitsburg golfers tried their luck Tuesday afternoon at the Veterans Memorial Golf Course in Walla Walla.

The boys played 18 holes on this par 72 course. Dayton placed second, with 277 points, among other teams who competed including De- Sales, which took first with 256 points; Tri-Cities Prep, third with 283; and Liberty Christian in last place, with 297.

Individual placement in the top three went to DeSales golfers Ryan Baumgart, who took first with 78; Jerod Conen, in second with 83; and Collin Price, in third with 88.

WP golfer Dakota Baker was the highest scorer among Touchet Valley golfers with 89.

"Dakota played very well today," said golf coach Mike McGhan. "This was probably his best round for the year so far. In fact, in the first nine he was just two over par, which is his best score for nine holes."

Other local golfers with good scores included Dayton's Jaron Button, with 92; Dain Henderson, with 97; and Tim Ihle, with 130.

Tuesday's match was the first time the young men have played 18 holes since the season began in March. As the days get longer, the more experienced and quicker golfers are able to get in the full 18 holes between the 2 p.m. start time and dark.

"Normally after spring break we go with 18 holes," McGhan said. "There's more daylight and the weather's warmer."

The Dayton girls played nine holes at par 36. Again Dayton golfers took second place, with 187 points, falling behind Tri-Cities Prep, with 183, and ahead of DeSales, with 211. Liberty Christian didn't have a complete team.

Dayton senior Abby Chapman took second place in individual scores with 55. TCP's Alexis Armijo was first with 50, and DeSales' Ashton Montgomery was third with 59.

Dayton's Molly Payne wasn't far behind with 63, and Taylor Brown scored 69.

"Abby Chapman played well," McGhan said. "But most of the kids are pretty rusty after spring break. They have only had one practice since they got back, so they're just getting going again."

The teams play again at 2 p.m. on Friday in Dayton at the Touchet Valley Golf Course.