Gaffney golfers capture Southern Cross

JOSH GALLMAN The Gaffney Indians' golf team and Josh Gallman, in particular, turned heads at the prestigious Southern Cross Invitational this weekend.

The Indians finished first by a whopping 14 strokes over second-place and defending state champion Easley at the two-day event, which annually invites the top 24 teams in the state.

Gaffney shot a 217-220 437. The Green Wave posted a 223-228 451. North Augusta was third, 19 strokes behind the Indians.

Gallman's play was a big reason for the Indians' success at the tough Palmetto Club golf course in Aiken. He finished atop the individual leaderboard with a 7under par 66-69 135. Second-place Scott Glaze of Sumter was 12 strokes behind with a 7473 147.

"The whole year I haven't putted well," said Gallman, who shot his best ever tournament score. "This time I putted very well. This is a good way to go into the region and state (tournaments)."

Gaffney coach Mark Ireton said Gallman's play was amazing.

"This was the most difficult course we've played all year," Ireton said. "Considering the difficulty of the course, he played outstanding. He putted well. When he missed the green, he was able to scramble."

Gaffney's Brandon Coggins also turned in a solid performance to finish tied for seventh with a 75-75 150. Teammate Jody Martin shot a 7676 152 while Matthew Hopper posted a 77-79 156.

"I'm proud of all of the kids," Ireton said. "We put two days of golf together. We just need to do that again. This should give us the confidence to have a shot at winning the state. We beat the best and we beat them soundly."