Gilmer High golfers completed their season at the Area 7-3A Championships April 26.
The 11-team event was held at Achasta Golf Course in Dahlonega, and teams who placed in the top three advanced to state. The GHS Lady Cats posted a three-golfer score of 327 for fifth. The top-four scores were used on the boys side and the Bobcats turned in a total of 461 for eighth.
Lady Cat Clara Smith’s 18-hole score on the par 72 course was 97, which was 10th among all girls at the event. Teammates Haley Wilson (113), Maddie Wright (117) and Alexis Sirmans (128) made up Gilmer’s remaining golfers.
On the boys side, Hershel DeFoor led the way for Gilmer with a 111 and was followed by teammates Gabe Lifsey (113), Carson Bentley (117), Jeremy Bertolini (120), Caden Farist (125) and Connor Wimpey (130).
Westminster (288 strokes) won the boys area title led by low medalist William Love’s 8-under 64. Dawson County (327) and North Hall (329) will also make their way to state.
White County (240) claimed the girls championship with Warrior Catie Craig’s 71 leading the way. North Hall (242) and Westminster (281) qualified for the state tournament as well.
The Bobcats played four nine-hole tuneup matches in the weeks leading up to the area tournament while the Lady Cats played twice. The Bobcats hosted Southeast Whitfield April 13 and won, 212-229. Qualifying scores were recorded by Bentley (44), Lifsey and Farist (54) and Jaycin Merrell (55).
GHS headed to Bent Tree April 15, and the Bobcats (208) were second behind Pickens (171) and ahead of Murray County (212). The Lady Cats defeated Pickens, 151-197.
Bobcat scores were turned in by Bentley (49), Lifsey (50) and Farist (51) while both Landon Burton and Merrell shot a 58. Lady Cats scores included Smith (47), Wright (49) and Sirmans (55).
The Bobcats faced Southeast and Ridgeland at Indian Trace, April 19. SHS edged GHS 213-217 and Ridgeland was third (232). Bentley recorded a 52 and was followed by Farist (54), Lifsey (55) DeFoor (56).
Gilmer closed out the regular season at Whitepath versus Fannin County, April 24. The Bobcats won 203-224 and the Lady Cats fell, 155-145.
Bentley finished with a 49, both Lifsey and Farist shot 51s and Merrell had a 52. Smith was the Lady Cats’ top golfer with a 43, and Wright was there for a 54 and Sirmans finished with a 58.