GOLF: Marley, Nederland bring down PNG dynasty

Published 6:58 pm Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Nederland toppled one of the enduring dynasties in high school golf Wednesday, building a big lead early and cruising to the finish line for an eight-stroke victory that ended nine years of Port Neches-Groves domination in district play.

With medalist Brendan Marley’s 75 leading the way, the Bulldogs posted a second day 329 at the Golf Club of Texas in Beaumont for a 654 total in the 21-5A meet. That was eight shots clear of PNG White’s 334 for 662.

Barbers Hill was a distant third at 698, with PNG Purple fourth at 699.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Marley, who had been the runner-up district medalist for three consecutive years, finished with a 36-hole total of 152. He trailed Henry LeDuc of Barbers Hill by three strokes going to the final nine holes but rallied with an even-par 36. LeDuc, after an opening 75, settled for 82 and 157.

“I am so happy for our our kids and especially for Brendan Marley,” said Nederland’s second year head coach Rob Long. “It’s just unbelievable. We practice with PNG every day and both teams have been talking about district for months.  They let us know who is king on a regular basis.

“They are not rude or anything but they let us know what they have done. They have earned those bragging rights over a long period of time. But our kids were determined to beat them. We were only three up to start the day, but the lead jumped to 14 pretty quick and it was never really in doubt.”

Marley’s help came from Jadon Bell, who shot 83 for 161, Daniel Cormier with a second consecutive 82 for 164 and Tyler Wallie 89 for 177. Bell was third medalist.

“I am so thrilled for Brendan,” said Long, who was a boys assistant at Nederland for 14 years, then was the girls head coach for eight years. “He has been playing really well all year. I wanted him to win so bad after all those second place finishes. I will be surprised if he doesn’t make it to state.”

PNG was unable to mount a challenge on Wednesday, as none of its players managed to break 80. Bryce Parsley had 81 for 163, defending 21-5A champ Timothy Feemster carded his second 83 for 166, Dalton Shields shot 87 for 166 and Paul Muse posted 83 for 169.

Jason Adams of PNG Purple shot an 83 for 169 to earn the fourth medalist
spot in regional.

The 5A Region III tourney is set for April 24-25 at La Torretta on Lake Conroe.