Golden Hawk McCain takes silver to advance

OSKALOOSA — The Class 3A district golf is a new level for Mid-Prairie, but senior Dominic McCain is taking it in stride.

McCain qualified as an individual to play in last Thursday’s 3A district meet at Edmundson Golf Course in Oskaloosa. McCain was the meet runner-up with a score of 76, advancing to play at state at the Elmwood Country Club in Marshalltown Thursday and Friday.

McCain parred his first four holes before he bogeyed. After another par and bogey, he was 2 over through eight holes. A great tee shot on the par-5 18th, his ninth, and a second shot short of the green was followed by a chip shot to within three feet and an easy birdie for a 1-over-par 36. A par and a “great” 15-foot birdie putt put him at even par.

“His ball striking was excellent, and he made some nice putts,” coach Kelby Bender said. “I am really proud of how he stuck with it on the back. He had a stretch of holes that he didn't play the way he wanted. He held it together.”

McCain went from 1-over with six holes to play to 6-over par, but parred the final hole to finish with a personal-best round of 76.

The top two individuals not on qualifying teams qualify for the state meet. A half-hour of waiting before all the scores came in was worth it, and McCain found out he was a state qualifier.