Holmes Finishes 10th At 4A State Golf Tourney

Posted: October 16, 2013
From Star staff reports

WINCHESTER — James Wood senior Will Holmes placed 10th in the Group 4A state golf tournament that concluded Tuesday at Heritage Oaks Golf Course in Harrisonburg by shooting a two-day total of 11-over-par 151.

Holmes shot a six-over 76 Monday and 75 Tuesday, which left Holmes four strokes shy of earning a state medal. Three golfers tied for fifth with a 147.

Though Holmes did not shoot as well as he did in taking fourth at last week’s 4A North Region tournament at the same course, Holmes and James Wood coach David Oates said it really wasn’t the same course this week.

Heritage Oaks was 500 yards longer than at the region tournament, and because of the four days of heavy rain leading up to the tournament golfers didn’t get much in terms of bounces or rolls on shots even when they did connect solidly.

Holmes didn’t mind it though.

“I had a blast,” said Holmes in a phone interview. “It was a great tournament, and it was run really well. Tee to green, I never played better.”

Holmes liked the longer course, because he could use his driver more and didn’t have to be as precise as he was last week to keep his tee shots in the fairway, though he added playing the 200-yard par-3s were difficult.

Holmes said he never really got into a groove with his putter though, and that’s what ultimately hurt him. He said he actually had birdie opportunities on most of his holes, but he made just two on Mo nday and one Tuesday.

Still, it was an impressive finish to Holmes’ career, one that saw him capture Northwestern District and The Winchester Star Golfer of the Year awards as a junior and be the only Northwestern District golfer to qualify for the state tournament as a senior.

“It was a lot of fun,” Holmes said. “When I look back on my career I’ll have a lot of fond memories.”