JOHNSTOWN — Jaxson Riggs knew he needed to make a quick change Tuesday if he was going to keep pace at The Links at Echo Springs.
The Utica sophomore boys golfer locked in and continued his impressive start to the season. Newark Catholic senior Brogan Sullivan not surprisingly led the way during the first of four Licking County League competitions this season, but he had several up-and-comers hot on his heels.
“I definitely felt the (importance). Especially starting off bogey, bogey weighed heavily on me throughout the round,” said Riggs, who fired a 74 to tie for runner-up individually, trailing just Sullivan’s 70. Riggs shot 73 a day earlier at Moundbuilders Country Club in the Newark Catholic Invitational.
“After that start, I definitely put more pressure on myself to hit more good shots, and it came through for me near the end,” Riggs added. “With all of the good players out here, I definitely want to stay up with them and hopefully gain on them.”
Sullivan’s two-under par 70 led NC to the team victory after a disqualification due to an incorrect score card cost Granville. The Green Wave totaled 313 with Johnstown at 317, Granville at 318 and Mount Vernon, playing in the school’s first LCL competition, at 319 all following close behind.
Even a golfer with Sullivan’s credentials — the reigning Division III Central District champion among them — has reason to tinker. It paid off as he started his round with two birdies and never was over par.
“I changed something in my putting stroke last minute, and it really paid off today,” Sullivan said. “Stuff just went my way. Even though, I had a couple bogeys, I fought back and had a great round.”
Johnstown sophomore Will Taylor matched Riggs’ 74. Licking Valley sophomore Landon Hinger equaled his career best with a 75.
“My driver, I didn’t hit a single (out of bounds), and I was having short irons, which were working for me,” Hinger said. “I birdied the first hole, which helped me out, and on the back nine, I parred the last five.
NC junior Bobby Kieber shot 77, a day after his 69 was the Green Wave’s single-round record for play at Moundbuilders. NC junior Carter Hahn, Lakewood junior Fisher Lingo and Watkins Memorial junior Christian Cave all shot 78.
The LCL was hit hard by graduation losses, including the three-time champion Green Wave. Results through the season’s first week, however, suggest Licking County golf remains in good hands.
“I was getting pretty nervous at the start of it,” Hinger said. “After the first three holes, I was pretty much good. Hopefully I can keep playing the same way and keep rolling.”
Granville freshman Will Heckman and Johnstown junior Braeden Archibald added 80 apiece, Granville senior Brogan Burgett and junior Chase Holtzapple and Johnstown junior Maximus Mitchell 81 each and Johnstown freshman Keaton Archibald and Watkins senior Hunter Black 82 apiece.
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark Catholic’s Brogan Sullivan leads Licking County League golfers
