Lions Shoot 155 at Twin Rivers;

Howell Looks for More Fight

 

Oviedo’s boys’ golf team posted a 155 (+11) at Twin Rivers in Tuesday’s match against Hagerty, led by Xander Pendry’s 1-under-par 35. Holt Rue added a 37 and Grayson Oldson a 39, while Landon Francis and Gaven Pope each shot 44. Hayden Fuller finished with a 46.

 

“A few years back, we would have been happy with a +11 team score,” Coach Howell remarked afterward. “In recent years, we’ve grown to expect more.”

 

Despite several strong individual performances, Coach John Howell came away concerned about how some players handled a difficult afternoon.

 

Pendry provided an example of how to respond to adversity. After opening with a double bogey and a sideways tee shot on the very first hole, the senior played his remaining eight holes in 3-under, recording three birdies and five pars. He hit six fairways and seven greens in regulation, finishing with 14 putts and no misses inside six feet.

 

“To start with a double on the first hole due to an interesting tee shot and then finish 1-under is pretty darn good golf,” Howell said.

 

Rue’s round was a model of consistency: eight pars followed by a bogey on the ninth after losing a ball. He hit five fairways and five greens, needed just 13 putts and did not miss inside six feet.

 

“Holt is a fighter," Howell stated. "He played really well today. On the 9th he called me on the phone and explained that his ball should have been right where he was looking, but it wasn’t there." Because of all the rain we’ve had, some areas at Twin haven’t been mowed. "Unfortunately, it’s still a lost ball. To have that happen and still make a bogey—that’s solid,” Howell said.

 

Oldson contributed two birdies and hit six greens in regulation during his 39. Five fairways, 16 putts and no missed short putts rounded out an encouraging performance. Oldson was four over after four, but not hitting the ball badly. "I tried to think of some of the things coach wants me to think of," Oldson said later, "and started hitting the balls close to the pins."

 

“Oldson was back to form after a tough weekend at Lakewood Ranch," Coach Howell remarked. "Holes five through nine show how good he can be."

 

Francis and Pope each recorded four greens in regulation and three pars, but two doubles apiece kept their scores in the mid-40s. Pope’s 44 was a step forward, while Fuller’s round was hurt by four doubles that accounted for eight of his ten strokes over par.

 

“I’m still waiting for Landon to ‘catch fire,’ so to speak,” Howell said. “Every once in a while, he hits an iron shot from 190 out let's say and I say, ‘Wow—where’s that been?’. He's a good athlete and could be a very good golfer.”

 

The counting four combined to hit 22 of 36 greens in regulation. With Francis and Pope tied for the fourth counting score, the team’s putting total was either 60 or 61—at or just above its goal of 60. Five penalty strokes and four doubles, however, left opportunities to lower the team score.

 

With the postseason approaching, Howell’s message centered on staying engaged through every hole. An off day is part of golf; maintaining effort, focus and commitment to teammates remains an expectation.

 

The Lions next compete in the Bishop Moore tournament, with Friday’s round at Shingle Creek and Saturday’s round at Dubsdread.

 

“I hate to say it’s not about winning the tournament,” Coach Howell offered, “but it’s not. My top two can compete with anyone, so I hope they go low. For the rest of the kids, it’s about how they handle the pressure of playing alongside some really good golfers. It’s about learning where they miss and correcting it. It’s about figuring out how to grind it out when you're a little off. If they show me that, I’ll be happy.”