Mosley wins title, Arnold's Harrison medalist at county

LYNN HAVEN — There’s little doubt that playing in a first 18-hole match of the season has its challenges. Girls golfers from three Bay County schools faced those challenges with mixed results on Monday.

Mosley rebounded from above average scores from its top two golfers to secure the Bay County title with a 440 at Panama Country Club. The Dolphins have won every county match this season and this one that also carries with it bragging rights.

While some golfers posted much higher scores than their 9-hole averages, Arnold freshman Lindsey Harrison blistered the field with an 89. She shot a 43 on the front-nine and 46 on the back to stay within her average of 45 for most 9-hole competitions.

“I played well, but I think I could have done better,” said Harrison, whose Arnold team finished second with a 465. “Playing 18 holes is a lot tougher because you get tired a lot faster.”

If Harrison was tired she didn’t show it. The diminutive 14-year-old has a strong middle and short game. She will be even more impressive when she adds strength in the coming years.

She gave Arnold a 12-stroke lead when Mosley’s top player, Ginny Shipman, carded a 101. Mosley regained 10 strokes from the No. 2s, as the Dolphins’ Megan Daniel shot a 112 to Arnold’s Michael Cooley’s 122.

Mosley took back the lead for good in the third group with Haley Hartzog posting a strong 104 for Mosley. Arnold’s Elena Itameri shot a 126 and Arnold faded.

Some team and individual fatigue was expected on Monday. Mosley coach Todd Harless said previous county matches are kept to a 9-hole format to save time for athletes who may have other activities later in the day. Staging the county championship at 18 holes helps prepare teams for district tournaments that begin in two weeks, he said.

“It is difficult because you haven’t done it all year,” Harless said. “Luckily it was a nice day and not too hot.”

Also of note, county teams play double par. That means players pick up their balls and move on to the next hole when they have double the shots as the par for the hole. The format isn’t in place during districts.

That likely won’t mean much to the top players for each team. Harrison would be in line for advancement in the District 2-1A tournament with another 89.

She said her competitive nature adds a serious level to her play. That’s also not to say she doesn’t have fun. In fact, fun is something stressed by all county coaches, as is respect and sportsmanship.

“I do feel a lot of pressure when I’m out there,” Harrison said. “But I’ve played with my friends a lot so I’m ok. I take it seriously, but you also just have to get out there and hit the ball.”

Bay County championship results:

• Team: 1. Mosley 440, 2. Arnold 465, 3. Rutherford 492

Individual scores (top four counts toward overall)

• Mosley: Ginny Shipman 101, Haley Hartzog 104, Megan Daniel 112, Taylor Phillips 123, Grayson Gladden 132
• Arnold: Lindsey Harrison 89, Michaela Cooley 122, Elena Itameri 126, Natalia Busuttil 128, Tara Reed 143
• Rutherford: Katy Hyland 112, Catherine Windham 114, Cara Henry 133, Amber Payton 133