April 25, 2025
Local NewsState & National

Atlantic tops Panther golfers

Senior boys honored in opener

By LARRY PETERSON
Creston's Chasse Downing chips onto the No. 3 green at Crestmoor Golf Club during Thursday's season-opening dual against Atlantic. Downing shot a 48, second on the team behind Garrett Troutwine's 46.

Creston's Chasse Downing chips onto the No. 3 green at Crestmoor Golf Club during Thursday's season-opening dual against Atlantic. Downing shot a 48, second on the team behind Garrett Troutwine's 46. (Larry Peterson)

Creston golfers opened the 2025 season Thursday with a senior recognition day matchup with Atlantic boys at home, and a narrow five-stroke loss to the Atlantic girls at Atlantic.

A strong Atlantic boys team prevailed 159-196, led by medalist Gage Gross with an even-par 36 at Crestmoor Golf Club. Sophomore Garrett Troutwine led the Panthers with a 46.

Creston freshman Branden Spencer tees off on No. 4 at Crestmoor Golf Club in Thursday's opening dual against Atlantic.

Creston freshman Branden Spencer tees off on No. 4 at Crestmoor Golf Club in Thursday's opening dual against Atlantic. (Larry Peterson)

“I was impressed with Garrett Troutwine,” Creston coach Steve Shantz said. “He really works on his game during practice. Branden Spencer did well in his first competition and also does a great job in practice.”

Creston seniors honored before the meet were Jake Hoyt, Clayton Scarberry, Tristan Evans, Rici Hampton and Aiden Snodgrass.

Creston senior Averi Culbertson and Atlantic’s Makenna Schroeder each shot 45 in the girls meet, with Schroeder winning on the first handicap hole for medalist honors. Atlantic won the meet, 210-215.

Jake Hoyt guides a putt toward the cup on No. 3 at Crestmoor Thursday in the meet against Atlantic.

Jake Hoyt guides a putt toward the cup on No. 3 at Crestmoor Thursday in the meet against Atlantic. (Larry Peterson)

With four team members, Creston girls can compete as a team this season after having just Culbertson and Kylie Metheny last year. Freshman Ricci Johnston placed third individually with a 50.

“Averi competes really well and just lost on the first handicap hole to finish as runner-up medalist,” Shantz said. “Ricci was impressive in her first meet. Nora Barton is improving every day with this being her first year golfing. Kylie struggled a bit, but she has a lot of experience and will have better days for us.”

Creston competes in the Southwest Iowa Cup Tuesday at Lakeshore Country Club in Afton and Crestmoor Golf Club, involving girls and boys from Creston, East Union, Lenox, Nodaway Valley and Clarke.

BOYS

Atlantic (159) — Gage Gross 36, Hudson McLaren 39, Tristan Hayes 40, Trevan Hansen 44, Brady Wood 44, Sam Brosam 45.

Creston (196) — Garrett Troutwine 46, Chasse Downing 48, Branden Spencer 50, Jake Hoyt 52, Ethan Holliday 55, Tristan Evans 56.

Medalist — Gage Gross, Atlantic, 36. Runner-up — Hudson McLaren, Atlantic, 39.

Creston golfer Ethan Holliday confers with coach Steve Shantz in lining up his approach shot to the No. 3 green in Thursday's dual meet against Atlantic.

Creston golfer Ethan Holliday confers with coach Steve Shantz in lining up his approach shot to the No. 3 green in Thursday's dual meet against Atlantic. (Larry Peterson)

GIRLS

Atlantic (210) — Makenna Schroeder 45, Rylee Bengel 52, Emma Rose 54, Nevaeh Fewson 59, Nissa Molgaard 67.

Creston (215) — Averi Culbertson 45, Ricci Johnston 50, Kylie Metheny 54, Nora Barton 66.

Medalist — Makenna Schroeder, Atlantic, 45 (handicap hole tiebreaker). Runner-up — Averi Culbertson, Creston, 45.

Larry Peterson

LARRY PETERSON

Former senior feature writer at Creston News Advertiser and columnist. Previous positions include sports editor for many years and assistant editor. Also a middle school basketball coach in Creston.