Sophomores Take Early Lead in “Eagle Cup”

Sean Covich
MCC Sports Information
Aug 22

The threat of bad weather delayed the start of the inaugural “Eagle Cup” (a Ryder Cup format battle between the sophomores and freshman of the MCC golf team). Play was scheduled to begin at Briarwood Country Club at 1:30 PM but due to the weather, play didn’t start until 2:30 PM, exactly one hour late.

Five sophomores (plus one former MCC golfer) faced off against six freshmen Tuesday afternoon, with each match being played for one point. A total of three points were up for grabs on Day One. Tuesday’s format was four-ball match play.

The first match of the day featured former West Lauderdale High School teammates, Michael Burton and Ryan Hill vs. returning sophomore, Cole Clopton, and former MCC golfer, Clinton Hales.

Burton/Hill jumped out early, grabbing a 2 UP lead after just the first two holes. Clopton/Hales would battle back to make the match ALL SQUARE by the 7th hole. Clopton/Hales used some steady play on the back side to win the match 3 & 2, earning the sophomore team the first point of the Eagle Cup.

Match #2 featured highly acclaimed newcomers, Joshua Ivy and Jarrod Lemaster vs. NJCAA All-American, Justin Eaves, and returning sophomore, Zach Rushing.

After going back and forth on the front nine, this match remained ALL SQUARE heading to the back side. Thanks to a few birdies, Ivy/Lemaster had a 1 UP lead with just three holes to play. Sophomore Zach Rushing, hit his approach shot to within a few feet on #17 to help make birdie and even up the match heading into the final hole. Both teams made par on #18 to half the match with ½ point each.

In the final match of the day, retuning sophomore, Reid Kennedy teamed up with returning MACJC Player of the Year, Dustin Petit. Kennedy/Petit would face freshmen, Bryant Self and Curt Sparks.

After nine holes, Kennedy/Petit led the match 1 UP. Kennedy/Petit never relinquished their lead on the back nine and used all 18 holes to defeat the freshman 1 UP.

Day Two of the three day event continues tomorrow with alternate shot match play being held at Northwood CC. Play beings at 1:30 PM with the sophomores leading the freshman 2 ½ - ½ .