Lathan Croy has put together one of the better stretches in Trenton High School golf history – and that is saying something.
The program has a rich tradition of tremendous golfers. But even with all the greats who have called the Riverside Country Club home, few have gone on tears that would match what Croy has done over the past week and a half.
Croy wrote the latest chapter in his story on Thursday, winning the individual championship at the Chillicothe Tournament. He carded a 76 at the tournament to top runners-up Spencer Teel of Cameron and Matthew Madden of Maryville, both of whom finished at 78.
Croy started on the back nine and carded a 40 on his opening nine holes. He would par four holes and birdie another. Croy hit another gear on the front nine, shooting a 36 – even par for the nine-hole stretch. He added seven pars and another birdie to his total on the second nine.
“Lathan is really scoring well right now,” Trenton Coach Travis Mullenix said. “His physical game is really good, but his mental game has been outstanding. He can have a bad hole, but he doesn’t let it ruin his round. It’s a heck of an accomplishment to win a tournament, let alone two in a season. He’s become a great golfer and still has room for improvement. I’m very proud of what he’s been able to accomplish so far this season.”
Prior to the title at the Chillicothe Tournament, Croy won the Cameron Invitational’s individual title a week ago Wednesday; he just missed an even par round and medalist honors in a dual with Chillicothe – which Trenton won – on Tuesday; and claimed medalist honors by a full four strokes in a triangular with a pair of top-caliber teams in Lawson and Richmond on Wednesday of this week – a feat he accomplished by carding birdies on four of the final five holes.
As a team Trenton placed seventh, right in the middle of the 14-team field at the Chillicothe Tournament. The Bulldogs recorded a team score of 386 at the tournament, representing their best 18-hole team score of the season.
“We had a great day as a team,” Mullenix said. “We beat our low team score of the season and were able to finish seventh out of 14 teams and that is pretty good given our level of experience. It’s fun to see the boys improving.”
Mason Owen and Max McNabb both turned in scores of 101 and a 108 from Lucas Clark rounded out the team total. Gavin Roeder was also in action for the Bulldogs, carding a 111.
“Mason and Max are becoming more consistent golfers,” Mullenix said. “Each match or tournament they are learning new things and figuring out how to control their shots a little better. I am really happy with how they are coming along. They both had a side in the 40’s and put together solid rounds. Golf can be frustrating at times and they are doing a great job of keeping their emotions in check during their rounds.
“Lucas and Gavin both had good days as well. They were both very close to sub 50 sides and continue to improve. Gavin is just a freshman, so he’s gaining a ton of valuable experience on varsity this year. Lucas is a senior, so his window is a little smaller, but he’s definitely working hard to get better and it’s showing.”
UP NEXT
Croy has a chance to keep things going as the Bulldogs are on the course today for the fourth day in a row. Trenton is in action at the Richmond Tournament, which teed off at 9 o’clock.