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.

 

“Two-day events are tough on us,” Coach Howell said afterward. “We don’t play a lot of them, and the second day becomes a real grind.”

 

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.”

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.