Small Town News

North Mason sophomore uses state as learning experience

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North Mason High School sophomore Eric Jones was the sole Bulldog representative at the 2A WIAA State Golf State Championships. On the first day, Jones shot an 85, which was one stroke off the cutoff of 84 to advance to the second day of play.

"It was very exciting," Jones said. "It was a lot to take in, but I soaked it up and pushed through."

The 2A boys state tournament was held at the Horn Rapids Golf Course in Richland. The eventual winner was Nick Nolan from Bellingham High School, who shot a two-day score of 75 and 70 for a total score of 145.

In the 2A Olympic League, the North Mason boys golf team finished tied for eighth with North Kitsap with a 3-7 record. Overall, they were 4-7. The girls team was winless in conference, but went 1-8 overall.

Last season, Jones missed the district cutoff by two points when he shot an 88. Coach Steven Hackett said he was proud of Jones' efforts.

"It was a grind of a day," Hackett said. "I think he played a five-hour round.... He missed a birdie putt on (Hole No.) 18 that would have put him in the second day of the tournament. He hit a great drive, set it up and left a birdie putt 3 inches short."

Jones said there was not a lot of fairway and the course was hilly. But the sophomore said it was a good experience because he competed with some of the best players in the state.

Hackett said his teammate and alternate, senior Mac Jones, was a big morale help during the sophomore's run.

"He was the definition of a teammate," Hackett said. "He walked the entire 18 holes with Eric and cheered him on every single shot. He was out there helping Eric figure out yardage and made sure he succeeded."

He added that he was impressed with the boys wins and glad to see the girls team reach six members for a full team this season.

"It was a grind of a day. I think he played a five-hour round.... He missed a birdie putt on (Hole No.) 18 that would have put him in the second day of the tournament. He hit a great drive, set it up and left a birdie putt 3 inches short."

Steve Hackett, North Mason golf coach



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