Dawgs golfers beat Natchez, take second at Ole Brook four-way event

NATCHEZ — Franklin County High School’s golf team claimed a key early-season victory over Natchez on Thursday, March 3 at Duncan Park.

FC had the low team score — a 174 — of the two participating links programs as Natchez finished its day with a 195.

In addition, two participants from Franklin County — sophomore Kolby Cox and freshman Jack Hutto shared low co-medalist honors with scores of 37 each.

Freshman Tim Hutto finished with a 42 and sophomore Kyle Walker ended his day with a 48.

Eighth grader Preston Cupit played in the five spot and also shot a 48 for the Bulldogs.

The top four scores counted toward each team’s overall outcome for the competition.

“Our guys came to play,” FCHS Head Golf Coach Jeff Long said following the event.

“It was good to see Jack get his first career medalist recognition. He has played pretty solid the last few weeks and has moved up to our No. 2 spot.

“Tim’s 42 was good for individual second ... so anytime you can have the top three scores in a match, you’re going to be tough to beat.

“In addition, Kyle and Preston both shooting a 48 gave us five scores under 50 for the first time in a while. That’s encouraging and I think the guys are gaining confidence. Hopefully, we can build on this.”

On Monday, March 7, the Bulldogs traveled to play in a four-team, nine hole competition at the Ole Brook Club and finished second overall.

Cox shot a team-best 40 while Tim Hutto recorded a 42 and Jack Hutto and Walker each finished with a 45 — for a combined team score of 172.

Walker had a strong effort on the links as he holed out from 150 yards for a birdie on his second hole of the day, according to Long.

“Timmy, Kyle and Jack came through for us on Monday,” Long added.

“Kyle’s career nine-hole low 45 came at a good time and definitely helped the team grab second place against some good programs.”

Additionally, Preston Cupit and Parker Cupit shot a 50 for Franklin County in Monday’s event.

Loyd Star took top honors in the competition with a 158, and that team’s Dawson Hester finished as competition medalist with an impressive low score of 35.

Brookhaven finished third overall with a team total of 179 and Mendenhall was fourth with a 185.

With spring break on the horizon, the FC golf team is slated to return to action on Wednesday, March 23. The Bulldogs and Loyd Star will play at Brookhaven Country Club in a junior varsity nine-hole competition beginning at 3 p.m.

Other competitions on the Franklin County golf schedule will include:

• Wednesday, March 30 — Franklin County in Wesson Tournament at Wolf Hollow (18-hole competition beginning at 9 a.m.).

• Monday, April 4 — Franklin County, Natchez and Natchez Cathedral at Duncan Park (18-hole competition beginning at 9 a.m.).

• Wednesday, April 6 — Franklin County in Copiah-Lincoln Community College High School Invitational (nine-hole competition beginning at 3 p.m.).

• Monday, April 11 — District Tournament in location to be announced (18-hole competition).

• Thursday, April 15 — FC, Natchez and Natchez Cathedral at Duncan Park (nine-hole competition beginning at 2 p.m.).

• Monday, April 25 — FC, Loyd Star, Enterprise and Brookhaven at Brookhaven Country Club (nine-hole competition beginning at 3 p.m.).

• Monday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 3 — State Tournament.

Editor’s note: Scheduled contests are subject to weather and team cancellations without prior notice.