Wolverines set to begin quest for state golf championship

Polk County’s boys golf team will begin their quest for a state championship Monday morning at Longleaf Golf and Family Club in Southern Pines.

The Wolverines will tee off beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the state 2A tournament at Longleaf. Play will continue Tuesday in the 36-hole competition.

Polk County’s Evan Jones will be the first in action, followed by Reilly Yoder at 9:40 a.m., Avery Harden at 9:50 a.m. and Casey Beiler at 10 a.m. The Wolverines are paired with players from 2A Midwest runner-up Forbush and 2A East champion Beddingfield in each threesome.

Polk County posted the third-lowest score during regional tournament competition with a 303. Defending state champion East Surry won its fourth straight 2A Midwest Regional with a score of 299 and will be among the favorites at Longleaf. The Cardinals are led by the brother duo of Anderson and Pennson Badgett.

Pine Lake Prep topped Polk to win the 2A West Regional with a score of 295. The Lions are led by freshman Aiden Penhall, who carded a 68 in the regional tourney, and Matthew Utz.

Beddingfield also features a brother duo, Nate and Drew O’Neal, with Drew O’Neal’s 66 the best score in regional play. The O’Neal twins have each signed letters-of-intent to play golf at East Carolina.

Seaforth enters as the 2A Mideast Regional champ, its top four players all freshmen and sophomores as the program is in just its second season. Freshman Ty Willoughby led Seaforth with a 73 to win the regional title.