Tigers Golfers Have Experience On Their Side

BENTONVILLE — A veteran field of returning golfers has Bentonville boys coach Kent Early encouraged about this fall.

The Tigers welcome back four of their top five players from last year’s group, and they have also enjoyed a successful summer campaign through the Arkansas State Golf Association’s junior circuit.

“I think it looks promising,” Early said. “All of them are looking pretty good so far by continuing to play all year long. I think we’re going to be competitive.

“It makes things easier because they have varsity experience under their belt, and you don’t worry about how they will do in match play. Match play is a little nerve-wracking to a new player, but it’s not as nerve-wracking as when we go out and play a 36-hole match for conference and state titles.”

All-state performers Brik Brauburger and Josh Leal provide Bentonville with a quality one-two punch. Early considers Corbin Copeland “a streaky player” and looks for good things from Austin Morey.

The Tigers are hoping a couple of younger players can come through and solidify the team. Jack Robertson and freshman Wade Scheller have the potential of making that happen.

“Those two play very nice,” Early said. “They’re not elite players yet, but they have a good sense of course management. They keep it in the fairway and don’t do too much. They stay within themselves.”

On the girls side, coach Lindsey Davis hopes youth will serve its role well as Bentonville fields a team heavy with young players. Two-thirds of the Lady Tigers roster are either freshmen or sophomores.

Ninth-grader Hanna Brauburger tops that list and has the potential of being Bentonville’s top player. She joins returning sophomores Emma Kinsey and Brooke Rodney, while seniors Ali Robinson and Raven Riley will fill out a possible top five.

“Hanna’s played a lot in the LPGA and the First Tee golf events,” Davis said. “I’m looking forward to a lot of good things from Hanna.

“Emma Kinsey can drive the ball about 250-275 yards off the tee, and she’s working on her short game now. Brooke Rodney has been working all summer and I look for her to be a key player.”