Finishing well on the links
Published 8:27 pm Thursday, October 15, 2015
Some members of the Nansemond River High School golf team have already finished the 2015 season on a high note, but one is not done yet.
Sophomore Tara Grady will be competing in a girls’ open zone qualifier set for Monday at Kempsville Greens Golf Course in Virginia Beach.
Senior Andrew Halmrast led the way among the Warriors’ three individual qualifiers at the Region 5A South golf tournament that took place on Oct. 6 and 7 at The Hamptons golf course in Hampton.
He shot an 82 in the first round and an 83 in the second for a two-day score of 165.
“He was six shots off qualifying for state,” Nansemond River coach Brandon Frye said.
Halmrast’s first-day success proved contagious to his teammates, senior Brian Russell and sophomore Jack Wolfe.
After shooting a 94 on day one, Russell shot an 82 on day two, and Wolfe went from a 97 on the first day to an 82 on the second.
“It went very well,” Frye said of Nansemond River’s showing at regionals, noting most of the qualifying trio improved on performances from the conference tournament at the same course. This time out, “The course was set up tougher, too.”
The coach was specifically glad to see his lone 2016 returner in the trio finish so well.
“That’s really good for Wolfe going into next year,” Frye said. “He’ll probably be the No. 1 guy next year. It’ll be between him and Matthew Culbert.”
Halmrast provided a significant season highlight for the Warriors during regionals, when he eagled the par-5 17th hole at The Hamptons.
“That was the only eagle we had all year,” Frye said.
Halmrast hit a great drive of about 260 yards that cut around the corner. Then he used a 3 wood to hit the ball approximately 230 yards, putting it about five feet from the pin, and he made the putt.
“He definitely improved as the whole year went on,” Frye said of the second-year golfer. “He’s going to keep playing and keep getting better.”
Halmrast practiced on Wednesday to support Tara Grady as she prepares for Monday’s qualifier.
Grady, a beginner in the sport, has practiced during the season with her teammates but never made the top six, which was the cut to participate in matches, though she came close.
The qualifier will be her first match of the year, and Frye is expecting positive results.
“My goal for her is around a 110,” he said. “If she can get around a 110, I’ll be happy with that. I’m anticipating her to do pretty well. She’s gaining confidence daily.”
He estimated there will be 30 to 40 girls competing in the event and said the top 20 percent will move on.