WHS BOYS' AND GIRLS' GOLF: Trojans split meet with Tigers

WORTHINGTON — Worthington golfer McKenzie Hurley certainly picked a good time of the year to break out for the Trojans girls’ golf squad.

Hitting 54s all season, WHS coach Ron Wood wanted Hurley to pick up her game. He asked for a 48. Hurley did him one better.

Despite incredible wind gusts, Hurley shot a career-high 45 to help lead Worthington past Marshall 190-193 Tuesday at Prairie View Golf Links.

“I thought I started out rough with the wind, but I just got it in my mind that I needed to come back and make my coach proud,” Hurley said. “I started the year shooting 54s, so I’ve almost moved 10 strokes better.

“It’s really just the practice. My putting was really good today and it saved me. I’ve learned I’m up there with any other girl.”

Kate Lesnar was the medalist, scoring a 43 for Worthington.

“It was difficult with the wind and I had a few bad holes, but, other than that, it was OK,” Lesnar said. “I need to improve putting and be more consistent with my drives.

“I can’t let the wind bother me as much. It got to me a lot. It was a big factor today.”

Morgan Harberts shot a 49 and Mariah Haffield added a 53 to round out the scoring for Worthington. Tyree Murray shot a 54 and Genna Putnam shot a 58 as well.

“We’ve now reached the point where we have multiple girls in the 40s,” Wood said. “McKenzie’s score could have been lower if not for a couple holes and Morgan shot a 49 with 22 putts, so we had three girls who could have scored in the 45s.

“If this group continues like this, I think we have a real good chance to put up some scores at conference and sections.”

On the boys’ side, the Trojans fell by just four strokes, dropping to the Tigers 169-173.

Seth Meier was the medalist, shooting a 38 for Worthington, while Will Mulder added a 43, Alex Kremer shot a 45 and Jake Weg notched a 47 to round out the top four for the Trojans. Jake Woll and Zach Heidebrink shot 48s for the Trojans as well.

“This was a good day because it was a difficult day for golf,” Wood said. “Seth had two birdies and the closest to him was 41.

“We showed we could compete with high wind conditions versus a great team.”

Worthington will take on Round Lake-Brewster Thursday at Prairie View.

Daily Globe Sports Editor Chris Murphy may be reached at 376-7328.

Tags: sports, prep, golf, trojans