BELLEFONTE — Logan Liles didn’t realize just how pivotal his 6-foot putt was.
The Lewis County sophomore-to-be calmly sank it to cap off a fine round with a birdie in the Ashland Invitational at Bellefonte Country Club.
Because of that hole No. 10 result, he edged Madison Central’s Gavin McKune by a stroke for medalist honors on Monday.
Liles, whose group began play on No. 11 with a shotgun start, pointed to No. 1 as his biggest boost.
“I went driver, 4-iron to (within) 5 feet and made eagle,” said Liles, who carded a 2-over-par 72. “It was definitely the highlight of the day.”
Madison Central captured the team title. Fourth-year coach Kyle Congleton played at Bellefonte in the AJGA Bluegrass Junior, but this was the first time he brought his alma mater to a competition there.
“I hadn’t been up here in seven or eight years,” said Congleton, a five-year golfer for the Indians before a four-year college career at Eastern Kentucky. “I love being in Ashland.”
Mason County finished a stroke behind Greenup County in third place with a team score of 325. Mason Butler led the Royals with a 75, finishing third individually. Kaden Grooms and Evan Schumacher shot 83’s, Spencer Magee a 84 and Logan Shepherd a 85. Zack Ring added a 90, playing as an individual.
Liles’ teammate Avery Sartin shot a 96.
*The Daily Independent’s Aaron Snyder contributed to this report.
ROYALS RUNNER-UP AT MERCER COUNTY CLASSIC
Mason County returned to the course on Tuesday and finished runner-up at the Mercer County Classic at Danville Country Club.
The Royals shot 311 as a team and finished behind Madison Central, who shot a 305.
The Royals were led by Kaden Grooms with a 75, finishing in a tie for fourth. Mason Butler and Evan Schumacher shot 78’s, Logan Shepherd a 80 and Spencer Magee a 88.
Mason County continues its busy stretch to start the season on Wednesday when they play at A.J. Jolly Golf Course at the Highlands Invitational, starting at 9 a.m.
WHITE, LITTLETON START SEASON AT GRANT COUNTY INVITATIONAL
Mason County senior Haley White and freshman Macey Littleton got their season underway for the Lady Royals on Tuesday at the Grant County Invitational at Eagle Greek Golf Course.
White finished with a 90 while Littleton carded a 94.
The Lady Royals host Bracken County and Lewis County on Wednesday at Laurel Oaks at 4:30 p.m.
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