Coming off back-to-back difficult nine-hole competitions, Platte County’s experienced and promising lineup hit a potentially season-altering breakthrough in Thursday’s St. Joseph Central Invitational at Moila Country Club in St. Joseph. Not only did the Pirates take the team title with a 348 and put three individuals in the top 10, but sophomore Ella Green’s 9-over 80 made her the runnerup and set a program record for lowest 18-hole round.
Platte County sophomore Ella Green hits a tee shot during the St. Joseph Central Invitational on Thursday at Moila Country Club in St. Joseph.
Previously, Eden Shipp, Kasydie Shipp and founding program member Amy Silcott held the record with 81s. Eden Shipp tied the mark just last season.
“It really didn’t seem to hit any of us while we were tallying scores and being excited for each other’s performance on the day,” Platte County coach Trevor Short said. “We were all so proud of the way that we played after a rough outing the day before. I don’t remember who mentioned it, but the light bulb went off and we got even more excited for this big accomplishment by Ella.”
Green combines with senior Bailey Silcott to give Platte County a top-tier duo at the top of a lineup that also features junior Lily Ricketts, a two-time Class 3 Missouri State Golf Championships qualifier. Silcott, also a two-time state qualifier, placed fifth on Thursday with a 16-over 87, while junior Mackenzie Borland wound up in a three-way tie for ninth with a 93 to round out the Pirates’ team score of 348 — 15 shots in front of host Central, which placed two individuals in the top three with three total medalists.
“The team was clicking on all cylinders and making great shots all around the course,” Short said. “Of course, there were a couple struggle spots, but the players figured out how to manage those situations and adapt their play for the best results.”
There were 12 varsity teams and 13 total at the Central Invitational.
Platte County senior Brylie Kovar provided the fifth score for Platte County, which played its second 18-hole individual competition of the season, and finished tied for 21st with a 104. The Pirates posted a 346 the previous week in the Platte County Invitational at Shiloh Springs Golf Course and lost the team title on a fifth-score tiebreaker with Park Hill before moving on to a dual and quad that provided the first chance at nine-hole competitions.
All five players for Platte County have significant varsity experience with Silcott entering the season as the team leader and likely No. 1, although Green provided the second-best state score in 2021. The Pirates have qualified for state as a team each of the past two years, and Silcott has been an integral piece of both runs with Ricketts now moving into a more important role, as well.
Liberty North 168, Blue Springs 179, Park Hill South 189, Platte County 198
The Pirates struggled against three Class 4 opponents on Wednesday at Winterstone Golf Course in Liberty.
Kovar led Platte County with an 11-over 47, tied for eighth out of 20 golfers. While her round out of the fifth spot was encouraging for the potential depth of the lineup, Silcott (48) and Green (49) put up uncharacteristically off rounds on the same day, and Ricketts (54) roundup the team score. Borland shot a 57.
“We had a tough battle today on the course,” Short said. “We struggled a bit out of the gate and just couldn’t quite get caught back up. We did have success out on the course, but a few rough holes caused us to be in catch-up mode rather than a steady even keel.”
Park Hill 168, Platte County 179
Two days after battling to an almost complete deadlock in the Platte County Invitational, Park Hill edged past the Pirates in a dual last Wednesday at Tiffany Greens County Club.
Green topped Platte County’s effort with a 41, while Ricketts posted a 44 from the No. 3 spot. Silcott (46) also factored into the team score, and Borland and Kovar finished with matching 48s on the par 36 setup.
“Overall, we had a pretty good day,” Short said. “We are shooting scores that are respectable and the team is becoming more consistent in our scoring. As we progress through the season we should see a gradual improvement on our individual scores which then will translate into better team scores.”
