Powell High School’s golfers hit the links again Friday, playing a one-day tournament at Lovell’s Foster Gulch Golf Course. 

The Panther boys struggled, posting a 414 as a team. Powell wasn’t the only team that struggled, however, as head coach Troy Hildebrand noted the course caused issues for the entire field.

“While it is a short course, there is a real premium on accuracy and distance control, as well as plenty of trouble all the way around,” Hildebrand said. “Foster Gulch proved to be a real challenge for the field.”

Once again, Gunnar Erickson was Powell’s top finisher, posting a 95. Erickson ran into some trouble in the middle of both nines but “did a nice job of hanging in there,” per Hildebrand.

Andrew Jones finished behind Erickson, shooting 105. Hildebrand said Jones played a strong round overall but had four rough holes that “derailed” his score.

One stroke behind Jones, junior Seth Seibert shot a personal-best 106. He finished the round birdie, par, birdie, which “could give him a nice boost of confidence,” the coach said.

Freshman Trey Scott and sophomore Will Jackson both shot 108. Friday was Scott’s first time playing the Lovell course, so Hildebrand said he wasn’t surprised to see him shoot a few strokes over his average. And Jackson played solid golf for “much of his round” but struggled on five holes. Still, Hildebrand called Jackson a “bright spot,” saying he’s battling for a varsity spot.

Behind those two, Parker Williams posted a 109 to “continue his consistent play.” Hildebrand said Williams has “been a steady player” for the Panthers early in the season.

Sophomore Isaiah Woyak “had a tough day” Friday, getting into trouble a handful of times and shooting a 114. Woyak has been one of Powell’s top players and “has a ton of golf potential,” Hildebrand said.

Freshman Jackson Hill showed improvement in Lovell, posting a 118. He “seems to be enjoying the opportunity to play each week” and is “doing a nice job of lowering his scores.”

Trey Peterson played in his first tournament ever, finishing at 174.

“Trey was new to the game last fall and has worked hard to improve,” the coach said. “He’ll continue to get better moving forward.”

Powell’s lone girl, Meg McDaniel, shot 117, “continuing her consistent play from Worland,” Hildebrand said. “She is chipping the ball much better and hits plenty of very good shots each round.”

The Panthers play another one-day tournament Friday in Buffalo.

“We’ll be looking to solidify our conference roster and continue to find ways to limit the damage when we are having a tough hole,” Hildebrand said. “This will be the strongest and most diverse field that we have seen so far this season, and we’ll get to play on one of the state’s very best courses.”