Moody’s regional title marks Batesville history

BATESVILLE GOLF PHOTO

Batesville senior Jon Moody became the first regional champion in program history on Saturday. He is the first boys golf state finalist for the Bulldogs in 19 years.

There’s a rich tradition of golf at Batesville High School whether it be boys, girls or even middle school for that matter. But one accolade up until Saturday had yet to be obtained. That has since changed as senior Jon Moody enters this week as an IHSAA Boys Golf regional champion.

Moody earned the individual crown at Champions Pointe Golf Course in Henryville on Saturday as part of the IHSAA Boys Golf Regional Championship. In doing so, he is on his way this week to the IHSAA Boys Golf State Championship for the first time.

Batesville’s complete team was in action at the regional for the second-straight year but Moody’s star shined above all else as he paced the field and earned medalist honors with an impressive 18-hole one-under par score of 71. A birdie on a par five Hole 6 plus birdies on Hole 10 and Hole 12 proved vital and he recorded just one hole of bogey golf all morning.

His score beat out quite an individual leaderboard. Center Grove’s Nathan Springer and Providence’s Eli Casey both put up an even-par 72 and Franklin Community’s Matthew Ferguson followed with a one-over par 73.

With regards to team play, it was no surprise that No. 9 Center Grove earned a championship and No. 16 Franklin followed. Center Grove dominated by 10 strokes and won with a 298 and Franklin sat at 308. In addition to the two, Floyd Central is also advancing to the state finals after carding a 309. Corydon Central and New Albany rounded out the top five with a 310 and 315 respectively.

Batesville was seven strokes off of a state finals bid and finished sixth overall out of 15 teams, coming into the clubhouse with a 316. After Moody’s big day, it was a bit of a struggle for the Bulldogs who were tripped up on the scorecard. Ian Hixson wrapped up with a 78, Landon Raver shot an 80 and Caleb Laker completed the scoring round after turning in an 87.

In a non-scoring round, Cooper Phebus tallied a 93.

A two-day state finals begins today at the Prairie View Golf Club and Moody tees off on Hole 1 at 8:40 a.m. He will be joined by Luke Zander of Kankakee Valley, Nathan Springer of Center Grove and Trinity Academy’s Dane Sweikar.
Day two action begins as early at 8 a.m, on Wednesday.