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Durant Golfers On Par To Win

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By DAREK SHARP

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 10, 2008

PLANT CITY - For most golfers, hitting the ball "too far" is not a frequent occurrence. And when it does take place, it certainly does not constitute a problem.

But for Durant High golf standout Amy West, it has been the biggest issue of the young season.

West, the top returning golfer for the Cougars, spent a lot of time playing on longer courses this summer. With high school girls matches always having the players hit from the red (shortest) tees, West has had a unique dilemma.

"She's had to throttle it back," Durant head golf coach Dick Sheffield said.

Somehow West, who made the state Class 2A tournament last season as a junior, has been able to pull it together just fine. The Cougars won their first four matches with West leading the way.

The long and short holes have not been an issue for West, but the shorter par-4 holes have created some moderate headaches.

"Par 4's are absolutely tough for me because I've been having to hit 5-wood instead of driver," West said. "The driver's my baby."

West has an exciting new teammate, freshman Madison Opher, who has jumped right into the Cougars' top three. Opher has plenty of experience playing in junior tournaments.

"She is the most mature golfer, for her age, that I've ever coached. I don't have to teach her course management," Sheffield said.

Durant's other top returning golfer is Erika Wardzinski, a standout freshman last year.

Sheffield said that with that top three reliably shooting 45 or below for nine holes each time out, the Cougars will be tough to beat.

The trick, which the regular season will provide the chance to sort out, will be getting a consistent fourth scorer. Sheffield said among Kerrie Reinhardt, Olivia Higgins and Lauren Hirshey, he is confident one will emerge.

"We have six golfers who can all shoot under 50. That's a good thing," he said.

Thursday provides a tough challenge for Durant, however, in a trip to Hunters Green to face Wharton. Another extremely tough match, at Sickles, was scheduled for Tuesday.

The Cougars host Riverview on Tuesday and play at Plant on Sept. 18.

Reporter Darek Sharp can be reached at dsharp@tampa

trib.com.

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