Oceana Golf Club hosts high school district tourney

The Ludington Orioles won the District 22 Division 3 Golf Tournament at Oceana Golf Club in Shelby.

Story Contributed By Fred Inglis.

Inglis is a 22-year sports reporter/anchor for KTVU – TV in Oakland, Calif. and a two-time Emmy winner.

SHELBY — The Oceana Golf Club put up a brave fight during the Michigan High School Athletic

The Shelby Tiger Team placed second in the district tourney.

Association’s District Tournament Thursday, May 21, but Team Ludington brought the 53-year-old course to its knees.

The Orioles were runaway winners of the Division 3 Championship with a team total of 305. Second place Shelby was a distant 33 strokes back.

Ludington Senior Spence Hackert shot a 1-under par 72 to take individual medalist honors. “I felt pretty comfortable today, because I won an Invitational here earlier this year,” Hackert said. “and I learned a lot from that.”

Hackert’s teammate Race Andersen placed second with a 1-over par 74, and fellow Oriole Chase Lakari finished tied for third with a 77.

Shelby Sophomore Keaton Inglis also shot an impressive 77. Just four of the 61 competitors

Shelby’s Keaton Inglis strides down the 11th fairway. Inglis shot a 77 good for a third place tie.

scored in the 70s.

Six of the 13 competing schools advanced to next Thursday’s Regionals in Big Rapids: Ludington, Shelby, Big Rapids, Chip Hills, Whitehall and Ravenna.

OGC’s tilted greens can confuse and frustrate even the low handicap golfers, but Hackert showed veteran poise. “These greens can be tricky,” Hackert said, “but I just stayed patient and didn’t let one bad putt turn into two.”

OGC PGA Golf Professional Marc Inglis said the tournament went smoothly, and it was refreshing to have so many golfers walking the course. “I really enjoyed hearing the clanking of clubs as the players carried their own bags.” Inglis said. “It adds a long lost sound to the game that I miss because everyone’s riding carts nowadays.”

Medalist Spencer Hackert of Ludington shot one under par with a 72.

Many people credit Mark Twain for first saying that “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” But today Team Ludington took a huge step toward a state title.

Editor’s Note: Oceana County Press does not routinely cover high sports. However, this article about the district tournament at Oceana Golf Club in Shelby is provided by a paid advertiser, and we are happy to publish this weekly OGC golf report.