The Lancaster varsity boys’ golf team made quite the statement in their season-opening meet last Saturday at the Dodge/Point Invitational.

With an outstanding team score of 305, the Flying Arrows finished 22 strokes ahead of second-place River Valley, and defended their team title from a year ago.

Last season, the Flying Arrows won the Dodge/Point Invite with a score of 324, while Argyle was second at 346.

This year’s team score of 305 gives the Lancaster four an average of 76.25 on the par-70 course.

“It was a great round,” said coach Brad Sturmer. “We have to make sure this early-season success doesn’t create laziness, and I don’t think it will with this group. These guys will use it as momentum and it will make them work harder to reach their goals.”

The conditions for golf were less than ideal, as wind and cold temperatures played a part in unseasonably high scores.

The wind and cold didn’t seem to affect the Lancaster team as much, who prides itself of being mentally tough no matter the conditions.

“With the conditions being cold and windy, we had an advantage over the field with our strong mental game,” coach Sturmer said.

Leading the Lancaster crew, and earning medalist honors, was senior Zach Hentrich, who shot an even-par 70 on the day.

Close behind him in second place was Lancaster junior Nathan Farrey, who shot a 75, and overcame a rough start to do so.

“Nathan has made great strides mentally,” said Sturmer. “He overcame his anger after a four-putt triple bogey on his second hole of the day. The next hole he made par and it is one of the toughest par-threes around. That’s not easy to do. Many golfers lose it for a few holes after something like that. Not us.”

Coming in with rounds of 80 and tying for seventh place were Lancaster junior Andrew Gates and freshman Josh Hentrich.

The Flying Arrows then opened up conference play this past Monday evening at home, where they finished in a first-place tie with River Valley, both shooting a 162.

Medalist honors went to Dodgeville junior Chapin Orr, who shot a one-under-par round of 35.

Finishing third overall, and leading Lancaster, was Farrey, who finished with a 38, while Zach Hentrich was fourth with a 39.

Gates finished up with a 42, while Josh Hentrich chipped in a 43.

Though his score was not used toward the team score, senior Owen Hauth shot a 46 on the par-36 course.

This Friday evening, the Arrows will travel to the Prairie du Chien Country Club for their second conference meet of the season, then they will participate in Saturday’s Platteville Invite at the Platteville Country Club.

Dodge/Point Invite
(from Saturday, April 19, at the Dodge/Point Golf Course, par 70)
Team scores - 1. Lancaster 305; 2. River Valley 327; 3. Argyle 340; 4. Platteville 351; 5. Dodgeville 357; 6. Mineral Point 380; 7. (tie) Prairie du Chien 386, Cuba City 386.
Medalist - Zach Hentrich (Lancaster) 36-34=70.
Lancaster - Zach Hentrich 36-34=70; Nathan Farrey 38-37=75; Andrew Gates 40-40=80; Josh Hentrich 39-41=80.

SWC Meet
(from Monday, April 21, at the Lancaster Country Club, par 36)
Team scores - 1. (tie) Lancaster 162, River Valley 162; 3. Dodgeville 167; 4. Prairie du Chien 188; 5. Platteville 194; 6. Richland Center (inc.).
Medalist - Chapin Orr (Dodgeville) 35.
Lancaster - Nathan Farrey 38, Zach Hentrich 39, Andrew Gates 42, Josh Hentrich 43, Owen Hauth 46.