GHS golfers place third in tourney

The Gaffney Indians are no run-of-the-mill golf team. They proved it again with a thirdplace finish at the prestigious Hardaway Invitational at Fort Benning, Ga.

The Indians chopped six strokes off their opening round score of 306 to finish at 606 after Saturday's final round.

A.C. Flora won the event with a 592. Harrison High School, located in Atlanta, Ga., was second with a 596.

Gaffney coach Todd Coggins said his golfers concentrated on improving their short game during the layoff prior to this weekend's tournament.

"We worked on putting and chipping," he said. "Everybody at these tournaments can hit the ball."

It made the difference for Gaffney's Matthew Hopper who was accurate from tee to green, shooting a 1-under par 143 to finish fourth individually. He also was named to the all-tournament team.

"He played very well," Coggins said. "He hit just about every green."

Gaffney's Adam Goins posted a 74-75 - 149, while teammates Phillip Rogers shot 78 on both rounds and Dan Whisenant had an 82-76 - 158.

The Indians also finished third in the event in 2003 - the year they went on to capture the state tournament.

Speaking of the state tournament, Coggins said this weekend's performance boosts his players' confidence heading into the important part of the schedule, including the region and state tournaments.

"This is what we needed with the region in 10 days," he said.

Gaffney finishes the regular season at Mauldin on Tuesday and at home against Spartanburg and Byrnes on Thursday.