Gaffney falls to 6th place

Ledger photo / CODY SOSSAMON Gaffney golfer Adam Goins hits a shot during first-round play of the T.W. Memorial Tournament at Cherokee National on Friday. Goins had a 77-82 - 159 to share team scoring honors with Jody Martin, who had a 78-81 - 159. The Indians finished sixth after leading the tournament after the first round. The Gaffney Indians felt right at home during the first round Friday of the T.W. Memorial Tournament. Unfortunately, that feeling didn't last when the tournament shifted to River Falls on day two.

Playing on their home course of Cherokee National, the Indians shot a 312 to lead the tournament by five strokes after the first round. But the Indians shot a disappointing second-round 336 to finish sixth with a 648.

The Indians were still within striking distance of second place but finished nine over on the last two holes on Saturday.

"We faded down the stretch and that cost us a chance at second," Gaffney coach Mark Ireton said.

The Dorman Cavaliers rallied from seven strokes back (319) after the first round to win the championship with a second round 312.

"Dorman played great today," Ireton said. "They deserve to win. They played well as a team."

Brad Sill had a 76 and Chance White posted a 78 to lead the Cavaliers' second-day charge.

A.C. Flora finished second with a 643, a shot better than Wando and defending champion Forsyth Country Day School.

Fort Mill placed fifth, one shot ahead of the Indians.

Adam Goins and Jody Martin each shot 159 to pace the Indians. Goins fired a first round 77 and an 82 on day two. Martin had a 78 at Cherokee National and an 81 at River Falls.

Matthew Hopper had a 77-85 - 162 and Daniel Whisenant posted a 168 to round out the Indians' scoring.

Parker Houston of Forsyth Country Day had a 150 to win the individual championship.

Ireton said the coaches had high praise for Cherokee National.

"The coaches were very complimentary," he said. "They said it had the best greens they've played."

Ireton also expressed his thanks to Cherokee National golf pro Danny Agapion.

"He did an excellent job supporting our program," he said.

This was the first time that Cherokee National co-hosted the event. Nineteen teams participated.