Smith shoots 63 at national tournament

Wed, May 21, 2008

Grand Haven High School graduate Garrett Smith shot a nine-under-par 63 Monday and sits one shot off the lead at the NJCAA national tournament, which is being held at Palm Valley Golf Club.

Blaine Weiterman of Tyler Community College in Texas shot a 10-under 62.

Smith, in his second year on the Muskegon Community College golf squad, said his red-hot putter paved the way to his career round.

"The ball-striking was there the whole round, I really drove the ball well, but what it all came down to was the putter," Smith said. "I made putt after putt all day up until the 17th hole, when I guess my wedge wanted a piece of the action."

On the 17th, Smith holed out a wedge shot from 100 yards out for an eagle.

"When I hit the shot, I thought it was going to be close, but when it bounced into the hole for an eagle to get to -9, it was definately a pleasant surprise.

"Overall it was an extremely solid round and I feel really good heading into the rest of the week."

The tournament continues with Round 2 today, Round 3 Thursday and Round 4 on Friday.

"This was an awesome round to watch," said MCC golf coach John McKinley. "He was making putts from all over. His drives were almost always in good position, and his approach shots were mostly on the money.

"Watching the shot on 17 go into the hole for eagle was really something."

Randy White, Smith's swing coach and the current Buccaneers' varsity boys golf coach, received news of Smith's opening-round score over the telephone.

"It was so good to get the phone call and hear the results. I asked Garrett if he just woke up from a dream. He assured me he didn't," White said. "We have been working on Garrett's swing for about four years, and were waiting for everything to fall into place, and (Tuesday) it did."

Smith finished his round with two eagles, seven birdies, seven pars and two bogeys.

Last year, Smith competed in the same event and tied for 23rd place with a four-round score of 292, four shots over par, with a low round of 71.