SPRINGDALE — Dedication and desire paid off for Farmington High's Jason Purdy Tuesday as he shot a 2-over par 73 to garner medalist honors in the 4A Regional Golf Tournament at the Creeks.
Shiloh Christian placed first in the team competition, followed by Gentry and Farmington. Each squad advances to the 4A State Tournament at DeGray Country Club on Oct. 6.
The junior shot very consistently with 16 pars and two bogeys under rainy, windy conditions. His teammates Kolby Burnett and Jake Adkins shot 87 and 89 respectively.
"Jason played very well on a nasty day," Farmington coach Randy Osnes said. "When that cold front came through, I wanted to look for cover. But he kept his concentration under a lot of pressure. He was basically shouldering our team."
Osnes said Purdy's game has matured within the last year thanks tothe work and time he has spent on the sport.
"Jason was a very good golfer for us as a freshman and sophomore, but he played in several of the ASGA junior tournaments over the summer and really dedicated himself," Osnes said. "He came back a different golfer.
"His game has matured so much and his concentration level has increased. He's patient and takes his time on the course. He's playing the game shot to shot now instead of hole to hole, and it makes a world of difference."
While the field will be difficult when Farmington travels to Arkadelphia for the state tournament, Osnes said Purdy certainly will have a chance to score well there if not vie for the state championship.
"The way Jason has been playing the last two or three weeks, I see him being in the hunt," Osnes said. "He's still making improvements. In golf, you get what your earn, and Jason has really put in the time and effort."
Sports, Pages 8 on 09/24/2009