Mandeville wins Regional Golf Title

Mandeville’s Skippers won the Division I Class 5A Region II golf title Tuesday with 301 total, 13 over par finishing seven shots ahead of Catholic High in the 18-team field at Santa Maria Golf Course in Baton Rouge.

Hahnville (312) finished third followed by St. Amant (315), Slidell (316) and Fontainebleau (327). The top six teams qualify for the state tournament to be played Tuesday and Wednesday at Oak Wing in Alexandria.

Northshore (330) was seventh, Denham Springs (345), Central High (348), St. Paul’s (349) finished in tenth position followed by Covington (358).

Catholic High’s Dillon Mathies won the individual medalist honor after he sank a 13-foot birdie putt in a playoff with East Ascension’s Derin Petite. Both golfers entered the playoff after shooting par 72s after 18 holes for a first place tie.

Mandeville junior Blake Kelley fired a two-over par 74 to finish third helping lead the Skippers to the regional title. His teammate senior captain Austin Gutgsell carded a 75 tied for fourth individually followed by sophomore Evans Haile (76) and junior John Hemphill (76) tied for seventh. MHS sophomore John Kohler (78) finished 18th.

Mandeville had four of the top 11 individual finishers.

Kelley said he was really happy his team was able to take the title.

“We had some very consistent scoring. It’s nice any time you can walk away with a team victory. The greens were super fast with lots of breaks. Puts were tough to read,” Kelley said.

Kelley said he hit 15 of the 18 greens off the tee.

“I hit it extremely well. I was on fire hitting the first 11 greens. I kept the ball in play. I stuck to my game plan hitting 3-woods off the tee, while others were using drivers.

Kelley said he has been working on a swing change with his coach Ron Gring.

“My swing is finally coming around. I’m relaxed and comfortable with my swing after working on the change for a couple of months.” Kelley added.

Kelley said he was disappointed with his finish on the par-5, 18th hole.

“I was putting for an eagle from about 45-feet away, and ended up missing a three-footer. Overall, I didn’t putt very well.”

Gutgsell, an LSU-signee, said he had a tough round. He was four over through six holes, and had to scramble.

“I struggled all day. I didn’t strike the ball well. My putting was okay, but a little inconsistent. I guess I’m in a little bit of a marginal slump,” Gutgsell said.

Gutgsell said the course was firm with water on 16 of the 18 holes.

Despite not being pleased with his individual round, he was really happy about his team’s winning performance.

“We had some really good team scores. Having everybody in the 70s is a good thing. We should be contenders in the state meet. I think we have a great chance,” Gutgsell added.

Mandeville athletic director John Priola said the Skippers hung in there to grab the title.

“Our golfers turned in some consistent scores. To have everybody shoot in the 70s was special. Blake Kelley’s ball striking was great. He did a fantastic job hitting most of the greens,” Priola said.

Slidell senior Nick Siegert, who tied for fourth, came in with a 75 to help lead the Tigers to their fifth place finish. Rounding out the Tigers was Travis Markey (76) tied for seventh, John Chaplin (79) tied for 19th and Chris Burson (86).

Siegert said the Santa Maria course was in good condition.

“I had a couple of short three or four-footers that didn’t fall. I hit the ball solid. My irons were true. I had a little trouble chipping onto the greens. The greens were hard and pretty fast,” Siegert said.

Siegert said he is looking forward to the state tournament.

“I haven’t played the course yet. I’m pretty excited, and looking forward to a good effort at state,” Siegert added.

Fontainebleau’s Matthew Moseley shot 79 (tied for 19th) for the sixth place Bulldogs’ low score. John Griffitt (81), Gavin Vegas (82) and Michael King (85).

Covington Mark Drube (77) topped the Lions finishing in 11th place.

Northshore, which missed the state team cut by three strokes, was led by C.J. Triola (81) and Alex Black (81) tied for 27th. Ryan Smith (82) tied for 30th and Gus Schroeder (86).

Other St. Tammany golfers scores:

Tie 46. Kelsey Johnson, SPS, 86; Matt Cucullu, SPS, 86; Tie 52. Jeremy Kratzberg, SPS, 87; 57. Austin Doughty, SPS, 90; 59. Jeffery Jenkins, CHS, 91; Tie 62. Garrett Tranchina, SHS, 94; Dalton McLain, CHS, 94; Ryan Frazier, NHS, 94; 67. Andy Nieto, FHS, 95; 69. Cory Leto, CHS, 96; 77. Tyler Albin, CHS, 103.