Bulldogs win eighth straight Region 23 title
Mississippi Gulf Coast celebrated winning the NJCAA Region 23 golf championship Monday in Laurel, but the Bulldogs' attention quickly focused two weeks down the road.
The national tournament, a four-day event, starts May 19 at Goose Pond Colony Golf Course. The Bulldogs, winners of the last eight region titles, think they can improve on their third-place finish last year.
"We just work hard," Gulf Coast coach Tommy Snell. "We've go a real shot at doing something special this year if we work hard. I like our chances, really. We have a deep team."
The Bulldogs finished 12 shots ahead of runner-up Meridian, expanding their first-round lead by three shots on a rough weather day at tough Laurel Country Club. There was a one-hour rain delay, and gusty winds made it challenging and cold.
Grant Motter followed his state championship by winning medalist at region. He birdied No. 10 and 11 to get to even for the day, then survived a double-bogey on 16.
"Every time you play in a tournament, it's like your playing against guys on the team," he said. "Everybody's going to be high up there. I hope that continues for one more tournament."
Motter's 2-over 145 was four shots better than teammate George Kawell and Meridian's Conner Cavin.
"It's a great relief to know we're officially going to national," Kawell said. "It was great to hold it together and win. To come in second place is a bonus."
Phillip Hickam finished tied for fifth at 8-over, losing in a playoff to miss out on a chance to join Motter and Kawell on the All-Tournament team.
Danny De Los Santos finished tied for eighth at 9-over. Conner Entriken was tied for 11th.
"It's a solid team," Snell said. "They love each other, they work each other, they root for each other. You can see that on the golf course."
Team scores
1. Gulf Coast 291-308 – 599 (+23)
2. Meridian 300-311 – 611 (+35)
3. East Mississippi 312-308 – 620 (+44)
4. Copiah-Lincoln 312-320 – 632 (+56)
5. Jones County 350-372 – 722 (+146)
Gulf Coast scores
1. Grant Motter 71-74 – 145 (+1)
T2. George Kawell 70-79 – 149 (+5)
T5. Phillip Hickam 75-77 – 152 (+8)
T8. Danny De Los Santos 75-78 – 153 (+9)
T11. Conner Entriken 76-79 – 155 (+11)
