The Macomb High boys golf squad placed fifth out of 17 teams in the 51st annual Gary Saunders Invitational held Saturday at the Macomb Country Club.
The Bombers posted a team score of 329.
“It was a step in the right direction for several boys,” said MHS coach Greg Duncan.
Senior Drew Taylor led MHS, finishing third overall, carding a 75 on the par 71 layout.
“Drew Taylor had an excellent round,” said Duncan. “He had a triple bogey on hole seven, but fought hard the last 11 holes to end up four over.”
Sophomore Luke Chapla was next for Macomb with an 81, followed by freshman Eli Griffith (86) and senior Ethan Dildine (87).
“Luke and Eli both shot high school career low rounds,” said Duncan. “They are getting some valuable experience and keep improving daily.”
Seniors Isaac Leinbach and Toby Royer recorded scores of 92 and 98 respectively for the Bombers.
Three others golfed for Macomb individually Saturday.
Sam Helling posted a score of 97, while Kollin Knupp and Nolan Schmidt both finished with 107s.
Effingham St. Anthony took top team honors with a score of 300.
Freshman Logan Gowin won medalist honors, also posting the low score by a freshman, with a three under par 68.
Metamora finished second with a team score of 310. The Redbirds were led by Jordan Kerr, who posted the low score by a senior player with a 74, finishing second overall.
Illini West, led by sophomore Nolan Murphy’s 76, finished third with a score of 317. Murphy’s effort was the low score for a sophomore player.
Riverdale, led by Blake Sutton’s 75, finished fourth with a 318.
Following Macomb in the team standings were Carlinville (340), Davenport Assumption (348), Pleasant Plains (351), Rochester (355), Rock Island Alleman (358), Bloomington Central Catholic (373), Limestone (380), Canton (386), Burlington (401), Abingdon-Avon (421) and West Central (424).
Monmouth-Roseville did not field a full squad. Carlinville’s Cade Vinyard posted the low score for a junior with a 79.
The Bombers swing back into action Wednesday in the Peoria Notre Dame Tournament at Kellogg Golf Course.
The event was originally scheduled for Aug. 18, but postponed due to the excessive heat.
On Friday, the Bombers head to Monmouth to play in the Titan Invitational at Gibson Woods.
The following day, the team heads to Valley View Golf Course to take part in the Mercer County Invitational.
