By Adam Yoder
InkFreeNews

NorthWood junior Cybil Stillson competed this past weekend in Louisville as part of the Hurricane Junior Tour. Photo provided

SIMPOSONVILLE, Ky. – Cybil Stillson’s latest venture south was a little shorter this past weekend. Her next stop the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour was at the College Prep Series at Louisville Golf Club. That is also the home course or the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Louisville Cardinals.

The field included players from nine different states (Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan and Alabama).

Stillson’s two-day total of 156 (77-79) was good enough to earn herself a third-place tie alongside Catherine Brown (Eddyville, Ky.) and Isabella Wiley (Bagdad, Ky.).

On the atmosphere at the home of the Cardinals, Stillson noted, “It was a great experience and so much fun to play on the University of Louisville’s golf course in Simpsonville. This was my first Hurricane College Prep Series tournament, so it was a lot of fun to be near campus and see the college team practicing there during my practice round on Friday. It’s always fun to play a new course, especially in a different state, like Kentucky, and have to learn it as you play.”

The NorthWood junior jumped out to a nice start in round one with a one over par 37 in round one that buoyed by a birdie on the 500-yard par five ninth hole. A birdie-less back nine and four bogeys left Stillson at 40 in on the inward side to finish with a six over par 77.

In round two, the uneven lies on the slopes of the hilly course helped contribute to some ball striking issues for Stillson. Two double bogeys and a couple other missed opportunities led to a 79 that didn’t include any birdies.

Overall, Stillson was happy about where things are headed with her game. “I felt like I read the greens well and made good strokes but just couldn’t get putts to fall either day. Overall, I felt like I hit a lot of good shots and putts both days, but also know I left quite a few shots out on the course too.

“It was great being in the final group on Sunday, that’s always the goal. I wouldn’t say I played my best, but I am happy with a tied-for-third finish. Being able to hit outside these past few weeks and play this past weekend at Louisville has definitely given me confidence because I feel good with my game and am excited to keep working towards my goals,” she continued.

Macie Brown of Mount Washington, Ky., won the event with a two-round total of 151 over runner-up Sophie Christopher of Germantown, Tenn., who finished at 155.

Penn freshman Delaney Wade was also in the field and finished 17th with a two-round total of 171.

Stillson heads back to Florida in April for another HJGT event, which will be the Junior Open at PGA National in West Palm Beach.