The Demopolis High School Tiger golf team has been a tough opponent recently on the links. Already this week, the Tigers have blown away the competition against local rivals Thomasville and Dallas County.

Tiger head coach Mike Black said he has seen a big difference in the 2005 and 2006 squads.

“We are doing a lot better this year than we were last year,” Black said. “We are getting better every week. Wednesday’s game against Dallas County was the first time everyone played in the 40’s.”

In their Monday match, the Tigers defeated Thomasville by a score of 173 to 198.

John Parden led the Tigers with a score of 38, followed closely by Daniel Pyle’s 39.

Drew Waldrop was close behind with a 44, while Matthew Lee and Brandon Gibbs both shot a 52.

Eli Davis,53, and James Courtney, 54, rounded out the strong Tiger attack.

Wednesday, the Demopolis golfers were even more impressive. This time, it was Parden and Waldrop leading the way with 38’s and Davis close behind with a 42.

Lee ended the day with a score of 45; Pyle and Bibbs added 47’s and Courtney ended the day with a score of 48.

The team, Black said has gotten leadership across the board. But, two standout golfers have set a steady pace for everyone.

“John has been one of our leaders this year,” Black said. “He stays steady from a 38 to a 40 all year. Our number two is Drew Waldrop, who is averaging a 39 or 40. He is just joining us back from the baseball team.”

As a team, Demopolis is now 7-3 and looking good for the postseason.

The Tigers face Bibb County at the Demopolis Sportsplex Monday, before traveling to Centerville to face the Choctaws again to wrap up the regular season.

Demopolis then travels to Tuscaloosa where they will participate in the Brookwood Invitational on the campus of The University of Alabama.

Then, it’s off to the playoffs for sectionals in Childersburg.

Black thanked Rex Bible of The Ravine for his support of DHS golf and allowing them to host tournaments at the local facility.

Because of the steady improvement of his team, Black said, this year could see a strong finish for the 7-3 Tigers.

“I’m very proud of what they have accomplished this year,” Black said. “They are getting better every week. We have a good chance to do some good things at sectionals and then go on to state.”