South Whidbey upends defending state champs | FALCON GIRLS GOLF

Though conditions weren’t favorable, South Whidbey’s girls golf knocked off defending state champion King’s, 85-78, April 12 at Useless Bay Golf and County Club.

By Evan Thompson • April 15, 2016 7:02 pm
South Whidbey sophomore golfer Kolby Heggenes lines up a shot at the Whidbey Shootout March 22. Heggenes scored 26 points for the Falcons during their home match against King’s
South Whidbey sophomore golfer Kolby Heggenes lines up a shot at the Whidbey Shootout March 22. Heggenes scored 26 points for the Falcons during their home match against King’s

Though conditions weren’t favorable, South Whidbey’s girls golf knocked off defending state champion King’s, 85-78, April 12 at Useless Bay Golf and County Club. Competing in stableford format, where points are earned on each hole as opposed to counting the number of strokes taken, the Falcons battled through a cold and windy day to win the tightly contested match. South Whidbey finished second behind King’s at the state 1A girls golf championships in 2015.

South Whidbey senior Tarra Moore, who placed fifth at state last season, led the Falcons with a score of 27. Sophomore Kolby Heggenes was second in scoring with 26, while junior Riley Yale was third with 18. Junior Emily Turpin — a first-year player — and freshman Chloe Johnson scored 12 and 4 points, respectively, which were much needed in the team victory, Falcon head coach Garth Heggenes said.

“The returning girls have been really solid, but the beginning girls have been a nice surprise,” Garth Heggenes said. “Obviously, the goal is to win every match. But definitely to beat King’s is a big thing. There aren’t many times you get that chance to beat them and when you do it’s a good feeling. It definitely was a goal to finally get over that hurdle.”

Turpin, who has played golf for about a year and decided to compete this season for the Falcons, was happy to have been a contributor to the victory.

“This is my first year playing golf and we hadn’t beat King’s in a while,” Turpin said. “It was cool to be part of the win.”

Kolby Heggenes said adjustments had to be made while playing through the less than ideal weather. She was especially proud of Turpin and Johnson for their performances.

“Chloe and Emily really came through for us and the younger girls that were there helped us out,” Kolby Heggenes said.

Garth Heggenes said the focus of the day wasn’t to put together a record-setting score, but rather to focus on each hole and make the necessary adjustments in order to help out the team.

“It was really a windy day,” Garth Heggenes said. “The longer hitters had a tough time with their ball flight. They pushed the shots around pretty good. It wasn’t favorable for golf, so they had to tough through some tough situations and hit some solid shots.”

South Whidbey will play in a 20-team tournament April 18 at Burlington-Edison High School’s home course. They play Archbishop Murphy April 21 at 3:30 p.m. at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club.