PIAA BOYS GOLF: ATHENS' HICKS SHOOTS SECOND ROUND IN 70S; FINISHES 51ST (14 PHOTOS) (2023-10-22)
Valley Sports ReportSTATE COLLEGE — Athens sophomore Eli Hicks broke 80 again on Day 2 of the PIAA, Class 3A Boys Golf Championships, but didn't quite score as well as Day 1.
Hicks was pleased with what he hopes will be his first trip to States.
"Being at States was an awesome experience," said Hicks. "My goal was to shoot two rounds in the 70s, and I accomplished the goal."
Hicks followed up his opening round of 75 on Monday, with a round of 79 on Tuesday on the 6,130-yard, par-72 White Course. His two-day total of 154 was good for 51st place in the field of 72.
Hicks, who teed off on No. 10 Tuesday morning, bogeyed holes 12, 13, and 14, but righted the ship with a birdie on the par-4 15th hole, and finished the opening nine with a 2-over 38.
"The course has a lot of fairway and green side bunkers that made it difficult," said Hicks.
On the front nine, Hicks opened the front nine with three straight pars, but bogeyed five of his last six holes for a 41 on the closing nine.
"Today, Eli hit the ball great tee to green," said Athens coach Lenny Pientka. "A few holes the putter let him down ,or he certainly would have equaled yesterday's score.
"I'm very proud and happy for Eli, he accomplished all his goals for the season — win the NTL, win a district title, make it to States and shoot two rounds at Penn State in the 70s.
"He had a terrific golf season," added Pientka.
Hicks said his first trip to States was a confidence builder.
"My biggest takeaway from States is: I can hit the ball with these kids," he said. "I need to keep focusing on my putting."
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PHOTOS BY LANCE LARCOM.
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