Hopper, Gaffney golfers remain on roll

Gaffney's Matthew Hopper is playing some jaw-dropping golf.

After finishing fourth on the individual leaderboard at the prestigious Hardaway Invitational this weekend, Hopper fired a sizzling 4-under 32 to lead the Indians to a 148 and a five shot victory over host Mauldin at Holly Tree Country Club on Tuesday. Byrnes finished third at 162.

Hopper had six birdies to overcome a rare double bogey.

Gaffney coach Todd Coggins said Hopper's confidence is at an all-time high, especially his putting, where he has struggled at times in the past.

"Now he has confidence in his putting," Coggins said.

Coggins said Hopper appears to be peaking in time for the Region II-4A and state tournaments.

"He's ready for the region," the Gaffney coach said. "Ijust hope everybody else is."

Daniel Whisenant and Phillip Rogers each had a 38 and Adam Goins had a 40 for Gaffney, which improves to 9-3 overall and 5-2 in region play.

The Indians host Region-II rivals Spartanburg and Byrnes Thursday at Cherokee National.