Blairsville, Ga. – Boys golf season is back underway for Murphy. The Bulldogs went 2-1 in matches last week, all of which took place at their home course of Old Union Golf Club.
In the first match of the week against Rabun County and Union County, the Wildcats came in first with a score of 162, while Murphy came in second with a score 172 and the Panthers came in third with a score of 185. Junior Wyatt Simmons led the Bulldogs with a nine-hole score of 37, the second-lowest score behind Rabun County’s Garrett Horton, who shot 35. Connor Golden also placed in the top five individual scorers, placing fourth overall by shooting 40.
The next day, Murphy bested Swain County and Cherokee at Sequoyah National Golf Club in Whittier. The Bulldogs’ foursome combined to shoot 161, easily beating the Maroon Devils (217) and Braves (235).
Blue Ridge Early College also had two golfers participate. Sophomore Andrew Barolet led the way with a 38, the top individual score among the 17 golfers who participated. Bradey and Connor Golden tied for second by shooting 40, while Simmons tied for fourth with a 43.
Murphy won its final match of the week Thursday, posting a score of 169 to best White County (186) and Union County (190). Simmons shot a match-best 39, Barolet and Bradey Golden shot 43 and Connor Golden shot 44.
Murphy is looking to defend its Smoky Mountain Conference championship after winning the title last spring for the first time since 2006.
The foursome that helped the Bulldogs win the conference last year are all back this season. Simmons is the defending Smoky Mountain Conference Golfer of the Year, while Barolet was named All-Conference.
Murphy returned to the course Tuesday with a competition at the Smoky Mountain Country Club in Whittier. Swain County hosted the event, while Hayesville and Blue Ridge were also expected to send golfers.