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 tri-match against Hagerty and Winter Springs, 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.
Despite several strong individual performances, Coach John Howell came away concerned about how some players handled a difficult afternoon.
“I’m a little disappointed in a few of the kids today,” Howell remarked after the match. “Not because we lost or someone had an off day, mind you. That’s always part of playing sports. I just didn’t think a few players showed the grit and determination I expect from them—even when they don’t have their best stuff. A few took their off day way too casually, and that sends the wrong message to their teammates.”
Pendry provided an example of how to respond to adversity. After opening with a double bogey and a sideways tee shot, 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."
“You showed me just how good you can be today,” Howell told Oldson afterward. “You hit some really solid irons and, for the most part, kept your driver in play. We’ll keep working on it.”
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 that makes me say, ‘Wow—where’s that been?’”
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 improvement and effort. It’s about figuring out how to grind it out. If they show me that, I’ll be happy.”
Pendry Leads Lions; Fuller Delivers Consistent Weekend
Oviedo’s boys’ golf team came away from this weekend’s two-day tournament with strong individual performances and clear priorities as the postseason approaches. The Lions stood in 11th place after the opening round but slipped to 14th in the 22-team field by the tournament’s conclusion performing slightly worse than Friday's finish.
Xander Pendry led the Lions with rounds of 71 and 78 for a 149 total. His opening round featured four birdies and just 28 putts. Pendry hit 12 greens in regulation each day, giving himself consistent scoring opportunities throughout the tournament.
“I know Xander’s not happy with the way he played,” Coach Howell said. “He sets his standards really high, and days like this will get to him. I don’t think his putter was as sharp Saturday as it was on Friday. It took him five more putts to get around the course.”
Hayden Fuller delivered one of the weekend’s most encouraging performances, shooting 76–78 for a 154 total. Fuller recorded 24 pars, hit 23 fairways and 21 greens, and completed all 36 holes without a double bogey or worse. With just one penalty over the two rounds, he provided the dependable scoring the Lions need heading toward postseason competition.
“I’ve been waiting on this for quite a while now,” Coach Howell remarked. “He really has a solid swing and hits the ball well both off the tee and from the fairway. Now that his putting is getting better, he’s become a solid threat.”
Holt Rue followed with 78–81 for a 159 total. Rue played both rounds without a penalty and made three birdies on the second day. His ability to keep the ball in play remains a strength for Oviedo.
“I also know Holt’s not happy,” Coach Howell continued. “He is such a competitor for us. I know he’ll bounce back quickly! We haven’t seen his best golf yet.”
Landon Francis finished at 84–87 for a 171 total, recording three birdies and 15 greens in regulation.
“Landon is so close to being really good,” Coach Howell stated. “When he struggles, it’s either off the tee or with the flatstick. If he can become more consistent, especially with his putter, he could shoot in the 70s every time we go out.”
The Lions’ No. 3 player, Grayson Oldson, had a tough weekend, shooting 92–90 for a 182 total.
“Simply put,” Coach Howell remarked, “he couldn’t get off the tee and keep the ball in play.”
Oldson’s struggles with his driver led to eight penalties, contributing to 11 doubles or worse over the two rounds.
“I was surprised,” Coach Howell continued. “He has really improved, but the wheels really came off this weekend. I did tell him afterward that this is why you must have a dependable alternative when the driver is struggling. You simply cannot let it lead to this type of score.”
Putting also made a difference. Among the four lowest individual scorers each day, the Lions’ putt total increased from 126 in the opening round to 136 in the second. Those same players hit just three fewer greens on Day 2, highlighting the need to get more out of their scoring opportunities.
“It’s tough,” Coach Howell stated. “I know the kids want to lead ‘normal’ lives, but it’s hard during the season. They’ve got church, school, family, friends and some even have jobs. If they want to be good, however, and want us to be good as a team, they still have to put in time outside of team practice to work on their games. That’s what good golfers have to do. We have come so far this season. I really think our best is still out there.”
It Is Not Too Early to Think About Next Year’s Golf Team
The work that prepared this year’s team began back in December. After taking a month off following the season, our players started getting ready for the next one. It can be a demanding process, but becoming a competitive golfer requires year-round preparation.
Golf is not a sport you can wait to start practicing until tryouts arrive. You may be a good player, but tryouts last only three days. A long layoff can leave you rusty and seriously hurt your chances of making the team.
Improvement requires consistent practice, tournament experience and preparation throughout the year. I know the idea of playing in tournaments can be scary, but so can standing on the first tee at a match while everyone watches you tee off. Even the best players feel those nerves. The goal is to get used to that feeling and learn to play through it. The more often you put yourself in those situations, the more comfortable and confident you can become.
The good news is that you do not have to practice for hours every day—unless your goal is to become an elite player. Focused practice for about an hour, three days a week, along with playing nine holes every few weeks, can help you develop your game and make a big difference down the road. Make sure that practice includes chipping and putting, not just hitting balls on the range.
Golf is a funny game. You have to love it enough to stick with it through the ups and downs, put in the work during the long, hot days of summer, and be willing to practice when everyone else is playing video games.
If you’re willing to do that, consider becoming part of Oviedo Golf. The future of our program is kids just like you.
If you are serious about playing for the Oviedo Boys Golf Team, now is the time to start preparing. We will graduate four of our top six golfers after this season, creating several openings in next year’s lineup. Returning players and newcomers will have an opportunity to compete for those positions, and incoming freshmen will have a legitimate chance to move directly into the varsity lineup.
That type of opportunity has not existed in our program for the past five years. Take advantage of it by starting now.
Continue checking this website for range workouts, practice ideas and team updates.
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