Published: May 07, 2009 04:17 pm      

Solid first round for Howard

OKLAHOMA CITY — Ada High standout Taylor Howard found herself just four strokes of the lead after the first round of the Class 5A State Tournament.

If not for one bad hole, she would have likely been sitting on top of the leaderboard.

Howard posted a first-round score of 77 despite a uncharacteristic triple bogey on the par-3, No. 6 hole at the Earlywine Golf Course during Wednesday’s first round. The course was soggy after rains soaked the OKC area, but play was never interrupted despite players having to combat drizzle and fog for much of the front nine.

“Taylor hit only two bad shots the entire day. Unfortunately, those two shots cost her five strokes during an otherwise flawless round,” Ada coach Ron Anderson said.

Howard entered hole No. 6 at even par.

“She was outstanding. She hit all but one fairway and all but three greens in regulation,” Anderson said.

Howard finished her round with two birdies over the final 12 holes — the first on the par-3, No. 12 hole and the last on her last hole of the day, the par-5 No. 18 hole.

“Not only was she hitting greens, she was well within striking distance to make five or six additional birdies. Many of the putts she missed were very makeable,” Anderson said.

Magan Blonien of Altus, Lillian Seay of Carl Albert and Sarah Harper of Duncan were tied for the lead with first-round scores of 73. Kylie Johnson of Lawton MacArthur was next at 75 while Kendra Mann was fifth at 76. Howard and Brittney Baum followed with 77s and were tied for sixth.

“After an hour on the practice green after her round, I am certain Taylor will drain those putts today (in her second round),” Anderson said.

Duncan had a commanding lead in the team standings with a 318 with Altus second at 333 and Bixby third at 342.

The final round was scheduled to be completed today.