Senior, junior compete in West Texas Junior Golf Invitational

Courtesy of Cliff Lawson

Junior Mason Ketcherside hits on the course.

Senior Macy Mitchell and junior Mason Ketcherside competed in the West Texas Junior Golf Invitational May 5 and 6 after being selected as two of the most elite golfers in the region by a committee of high school golf coaches from across the panhandle. Mitchell placed fifth while Ketcherside came in second.

Ketcherside and the rest of the boys golf team competed in the the regionals golf competition April 23-24 and placed ninth with a team score of 693. Junior Myles Cranmer also competed as an individual and shot a two day total of 166. Mitchell, who entered the Regional tournament as a solo competitor and competed April 25-26, shot a two day total of 184.

“I went to regionals, and that was an amazing experience, because we are probably the most competitive region,” Mitchell said. “To go to regionals, you had to be in the top two teams or you had to qualify as one of the top two individuals separate from a team at district, so it is extremely challenging.”

Although Mitchell did not advance to state, she said she was satisfied with the regional competition.

“We got to play at Texas Tech Rawls Course, which is a really nice course,” Mitchell said. “It is my third year to go, so it was a good way to end. I was sad it was my last time to compete in a high school competition, but I’m looking forward to golfing in college at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.”

Mitchell and Ketcherside attended a formal banquet at the Amarillo Country Club May 3 to begin the West Texas Junior Golf Invitational.

“At the banquet, they have a presentation highlighting the players which discusses our strengths and accomplishments,” Mitchell said. “They also have guest speakers that are involved with golf and are inspiring. I’m excited to see what this year’s banquet holds.” 

Following the banquet, Mitchell and Ketcherside competed at the Ross Rogers WildHorse course on May 5 and the Amarillo Country Club on May 6.

“WildHorse is a course I play at quite often while Amarillo Country Club is difficult to be able to play at,” Mitchell said. “They are both nice courses. I just need to play how I know to play, and I know this competition will be a great experience no matter what.”