The Demopolis High School boys’ and girls’ golf teams are headed to the Sectionals Tournament on April 30 in Mobile. From there, individual and team scores will determine who will be advancing to the sub-state and state tournaments.

“This will be the first time in my five years of head coaching that I’ll be taking the boys’ team to sectionals,” Coach Greg Rhyne said.

The Demopolis High School boys’ team currently has an overall individual match record of 26–6. The team’s scoring average, made up of the top four scores, is 177. The girls’ team currently has an overall individual match record of 17–6. Their scoring average, made up of the top three scores, is 140.

Both teams are working hard to improve their game for Sectionals. Freshmen Cole Wilson and Zachary Allen are both focusing on their putting for the upcoming tournament. Sophomore Caroline Webb is working on her short game while senior Hannah Webb is practicing her shots around the greens and her fairway shots.

Members of the golf team have been helping each other improve all season, which helped pave the way to sectionals.

“We’ve improved a lot since the first game. All of our scores have gotten lower and lower and lower throughout the season,” Allen said.

Despite the expected jitters that come with any major tournament, the players are ready and confident for Sectionals.

“I’m pretty confident in my team. I think we’ll make it sub-state and hopefully state,” C. Webb said.

With it being H. Webb’s last season with the team, she looked back on her favorite memories of playing golf for the past three years, including making her first birdie at last year’s sub-state tournament. She leaves a special message to her teammates and coach.

“I want to tell all the players to continue working hard to keep improving. Also, I would tell the team to enjoy the seasons they have left because it flies by. I have enjoyed playing with everyone; it’s been a great year! I would also like to thank Mr. Rhyne for being a great coach and helping me improve so much.”

The mid-season report for the boys team is as follows:

• March 20: DHS 185 vs. Thomasville High School 217

• April 3: DHS 176 vs. Sipsey Valley 207

• April 10: DHS 177 vs. Bibb County 158 vs. West Blocton 211. Bill Stephens hold the lowest score for the team with 41.

• April 17: DHS 173 vs. Sipsey Valley 197. Cole Wilson hold the lowest score for the match with 37.

The mid-season report for the girls team is as follows:

• March 22: DHS 137 vs. Northside High School 120

• April 3: DHS 146 vs. Northside 113 vs. American Christian Academy 189

• April 10: DHS 139 vs. Bibb County 156 vs. West Blocton 174

• April 12: DHS 142 vs. Holy Spirit Catholic High School 149

The girls’ team is playing Northside and Holy Spirit at Ol’ Colony Golf Complex in Tuscaloosa on April 23. The boys’ team is playing Bibb County on April 24 and Northridge on April 26. Both matches will be at the Demopolis Country Club.

(This article originally appeared in the Saturday, April 21 issue of the Demopolis Times.)