by JB Wilson

The Polk County men’s golf team squared off against Landrum March 21 in what would be the only match-up for both teams against out-of-state foes.

Polk County head coach Craig Culbreath said, “We used to play Chesnee and some other South Carolina teams. I guess with these high gas prices nobody is looking to make long drives.”

Long drives off the tee box, though, were aplenty in today’s match because of intense wind. The breezy conditions made club selection a guessing game for both sides. The

Wolverines may have had a leg up on their competition as the match was played at their home course of Tryon Country Club.

Polk sophomore Will Trakas said, “Every hole the wind was switching up…. No complaints though. It was a nice day.”

A ‘nice day’ may have been an understatement from Trakas.

He was the low scorer from the match, shooting a 37 on nine holes. When asked about his play, Trakas admitted he didn’t even shoot his best.

“I got kind of lucky,” Trakas said. “Off the first tee I hit my drive way left and the monkeys gave me some help by throwing it out of the trees and into the fairway.”

Trakas helped lead his varsity squad to victory as Polk outmatched Landrum with a team score of 163 against the Cardinal’s 182.  Polk County will take a couple of days off and return to the links Thursday, March 23 as they play Madison at Reems Creek.

The junior varsity squads from both teams also saw action today. Both teams patiently awaited as overall scores were tallied. In consolation from the varsity match, the Landrum JV squad edged the Wolverines by shooting a 206 against Polk’s 213.

Landrum player Alec Albert was the low scorer from the junior varsity ranks, posting a solid score of 46. Polk County will take a couple of days off and return to the links this coming Thursday as they play Madison at Reems Creek. Landrum goes back to work

today in the Spartanburg County Tournament held at Woodfin Ridge.