Darton golf remains fourth at national tournament

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — After a hot start on Tuesday in the first round of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II golf tournament, Darton State has cooled and remains fourth after the third round Thursday afternoon at the Goose Pond Colony Lake Course.

The Cavaliers shot a 297 on Thursday for a three-round total of 866, two strokes over par. They trail leader South Mountain Arizona (277-276-288) by 25 strokes, Tyler (Texas) by 18 strokes and third-place Mississippi Gulf Coast by six strokes.

Tyler shot a 282 Thursday for a three-day total of 848, while Mississippi finished at 300 (282-277-300), its worst round of the tournament.

The final round begins this morning and the Cavaliers have work to do.

“It’s gut-check time,” Darton golf coach Gary Hilton said. “We’re going to see who wants to show up and who wants to finish out the season strong. We’re either going to show up and play the way I know we can play or pack up and go home.”

Josh Glossop’s 73 led the Cavaliers in the third round. His three-day total of 218 (71-74-73) is tied for 32nd.

Seth Sanders continues to lead Darton. The sophomore fired a 74 in the third round to give him a 214 (66-74-73), two strokes under par and a tie for 17th.

Hunter Tidwell is one stroke back of Sanders after shooting a 75 Thursday for a total of 215 (70-70-75), one stroke under. He ranks at No. 20.

Meanwhile, Conner Watt also shot a 75 and holds a three-day total of 219, tied for 36th.

Jake O’Bryan shot his third consecutive round of 78, 18 strokes over and is tied for 99th.

With South Mountain in firm control and Tyler playing a strong round on Thursday, the chances of Darton finishing in the top two are slim.

“The first and second places are probably out of reach unless they trip up or something,” Hilton said. “But third-place is within reach. Anytime you can finish in the top three, that’s a big thing. So we’ve definitely got something to play for.”