State Finals

> Cole Manning was the individual representation for the Whitman Hanson golf team at the Division 2 state finals today at Crumpin Fox in Bernardston, MA.
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> The tournament began at 10:30, where Manning was assigned to the par 3 hole number 15. His tee shot was wide of the green, and with the quick greens, he suffered with a double bogey to start the day. He quickly bounced back with a par, birdie, which came from an amazing 40 yard bunker shot from a very difficult lie, and par to finish the tail end of the back 9, now only 1 over after his first four holes.
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> The front 9 started off with a save for par on hole 1, then he nearly drove the green on hole 2 to birdie again get to even for the first time on the day. Manning continued to bounce back from his rough beginning throughout the round and remained even after his first eight holes, by chipping in for birdie on hole #4.
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> The final 10 holes were filled with pars, birdies, bogeys and doubles, but Cole continued to fight and stay competitive. He ended the day with a 7 over par, 79 (39 on front, 40 on back) and unofficially placed in the top 10 for scores posted.
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> "For never having seen or played the course before, I'm really proud of Cole today," said Coach Brian Dempsey at the end of the round. "His ability to continuously fight back from the bad bounces and occasional high scores was really fun to watch. He was safe with his shot selection when he needed to be and aggressive when he wanted. I'm saddened that after today, I'll no longer be his coach, but I couldn't be happier for him for all he's accomplished over the past four years."
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> Manning qualified for the state finals two years ago when he was a sophomore as well. He is the only four year player on the team and has held the number one spot since his sophomore year.
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