Wright, Kellam compete at state tournaments

GCHS junior Zach Wright set personal goals before the season of finishing first at the regional tournament and making the cut at the state tournament.

By shooting a 71 in the first round at the regional tournament on Sept. 28, Wright took first place and care of his first goal.

Despite battling weather delays and having to play 35 holes on Oct. 7, Wright was able to make the cut by shooting a 77 in the first round. The cut was set at 81.

Wright finished tied for 21st overall after shooting a 79 in the second round for a cumulative score of 156.

“I was pleased to make the cut,” Wright said. “Playing the course last year helped me this year. I learned from what I did last year as I tried to do better. During the first round, I hit the ball down the middle consistently, but I wasn’t putting that well. The second day, I cut down on my putts.”

Wright hopes to continue to build off of his success as he prepares for his senior season next year. He will focus on getting stronger over the winter before playing in the Junior PGA series, the Pepsi Tour and the American Junior Golf Association tournaments in the spring.

“I want to get better and keep up how I’ve been playing at the end of the year,” Wright said. “We should have the team to beat next year, even though Pendleton County and Mason County will be strong again.”

“Zach made great strides from last year, not only in his physical game, but also his mental approach to the game,” coach Lance Robinson said. “I think that last year’s experience at the state tournament made Zach more focused this year. He will continue to grow both mentally and physically because he wants to get better, He never takes things for granted and therefore he will always find something to work on.”

Wright also finished 14th overall in state player of the year points, the highest finish for a player under Robinson.

GCHS freshman Sarah Kellam made it to her first state tournament by winning the regional tournament with a score of 76 on Sept. 29.

Kellam missed the cut at the state tournament by one stroke after shooting an 88 on Oct. 10.

“It was fun and I’m glad that I got to enjoy the experience,” Kellam said. “If I do make it back, it will help because I know what to expect from the course. I had three bad holes, but other than that, I was balanced out. But what happened happened and I can’t control it anymore. If I can develop my mental side a little more, I’m going to play better.”

“After competing this year, Sarah knows what it’s all about now and the return trip will be much better,” coach Marcus Camacho said. “Having played in the tournament is a great advantage when one comes back as there is less nervousness and more knowledge of what to expect.  She is an extremely competitive person, so I know she will work even harder to get ready for next year. She will continue to get better as she matures in the game.”