PIAA BOYS GOLF: HICKS TURNS IN STRONG OUTING ON DAY 1 AT PIAA CHAMPIONSHIPS (20 PHOTOS) (2024-10-21)
Valley Sports ReportSTATE COLLEGE — Athens sophomore Eli Hicks turned in a strong outing on Day 1 of the PIAA, Class 3A Boys Golf Championships here Monday at the Penn State White Golf Course.
Hicks shot a 3-over round of 75 on the 6,130-yard, par-72 White Course. He is currently tied for 35th in a field of 72.
“I thought he played extremely well for his first trip to States,” said Athens coach Lenny Pientka. “I know he was pleased with a 75.
"He struck the ball very well, and it gives him a great deal of confidence going into the second round .
“Eli is among some very talented players here, and it's good for him to get the experience with two more years to go,” added Pientka.
Hicks got off a good start with a birdie on the 383-yard, par-four first hole, but carded bogeys on the fourth and fifth holes.
He recorded another birdie on the 498-yard, par-5 sixth hole, but bogeyed the eighth hole, and finished the front nine with a 1-over par 37.
Hicks recorded six consecutive pars to start the back nine, but posted a double-bogey five on the 165-yard, par-3 16th.
After two more pars, Hicks finished the second nine with a 38.
Pientka believes Hicks could move up the leaderboard on Day 2.
“I think for tomorrow, it comes down to putting — eliminate any three-putts, and get a few more to fall,” he said. “I think Eli could easily shoot under-par.”
Hicks is scheduled to tee off on Hole No. 10 at the White Course Tuesday at 10:20 a.m. for Day 2 of the PIAA Championships.
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IN PHOTOS: Athens sophomore Eli Hicks. … PHOTOS BY LANCE LARCOM.
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