SPORTS

Destin High Sharks swing into action in inaugural match against South Walton

The Destin Log

Mark the books, Destin High School has fielded a team that has participated in an athletic competition.

The Destin High Sharks golf team competed against the South Walton High Seahawks in a nine-hole match Wednesday at Camp Creek in South Walton.

Andy Jackson, a freshman Shark, watches his tee shot down the fairway at Camp Creek.

“I’m excited for them,” said Destin High Coach Jacob Hill. “They definitely exceeded expectations.”

The Sharks had four freshmen and one sophomore tee off. Three of the freshmen had played on the middle school level, while one was new to golf. As for the sophomore, he first picked up golf clubs just two weeks ago.

The Destin High School Sharks participated in their first-ever golf competition Wednesday at Camp Creek. Standing from left are coach Jacob Hill, Jackson Becker, Adrien DeJesus, Katelyn Miller, Bowden Rowell and Andy Jackson.

Freshmen who played in the inaugural match for the Sharks were Bowden Rowell, Andy Jackson, Jackson Becker and Katelyn Miller. Adrien DeJesus is the sophomore.

Wednesday was Becker’s first time to ever play a full nine holes. As for DeJesus, Hill said he showed up first day of practice and said, "My mom bought me clubs and I want to play golf."

DeJesus showed promise Wednesday.

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“He hit some really good tee shots,” Hill said.

Rowell, who played for the Destin Marlins last year, made par on No. 2, which Hill said is one of the more difficult holes.

“I’m just proud of them for playing on a difficult golf course,” Hill said, noting that Camp Creek is ranked as one of Florida's top 10 courses.

When it was all said and done, they got in a full nine holes.

Destin High's Adrien DeJesus and Katelyn Miller walk off one of the greens at Camp Creek on Wednesday during their first-ever match.

“They were playing better than we have in practice (which is a good sign),” Hill said.

And the players didn’t shy away from the course.

“It was pretty tough,” said Jackson, who wrapped up with a 63.

Rowell, who finished with a 57, said, “it was a nice course … a lot of wildlife.”

Bowden Rowell, a freshman Shark, watches a putt at Camp Creek in the Sharks' inaugural golf match Wednesday.

Doe were spotted near the tee boxes throughout the match.

And Miller didn’t mind playing alongside the guys. She finished with a 61.

DeJesus carded a 66 for his first round of nine.

Leading South Walton was senior golfer Hayes Gibson with a 35. His brother, Grayson, finished with a 39.

South Walton won the match, 247-185.

Jackson Becker, who is new to the game of golf, waits his turn to tee off at Camp Creek.

The Sharks will go another round against South Walton on Sept. 1 at 3:30 p.m. on their home course, Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club.