The Straughn Tigers just missed the cut for sub-state as a team Monday at the Class 4A section 1 tournament at Lagoon Park in Montgomery, but Brooks Rabren took first place as an individual to advance.

 

Straughn squared off with 10 other schools, each competing for one of four team spots for the next week’s sub-state tournament in Montgomery.

 

The Tigers finished in fifth place with a team score of 334 behind UMS-Wright, Trinity, St. James and Montgomery Catholic.

 

“I kind of struggled a little bit with my ball striking,” Rabren said. “But you are going to have those kinds of days sometimes. I kept it together, though. Good players find ways to turn a 76 into a 71, and I did that today. I made three putts outside of 20 feet that were clutch putts that helped me keep my round together. Hole 16, which is a par three; I hit a 6-iron about five feet from the hole and I birdied it. That was good way to close out the round. I was pleased with my score despite how I played.”

 

Rabren set the pace in the individual category with a score of 71 to take home first place honors, which qualifies him for a spot in next week’s sub-state tournament at Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery.

 

“I’ve heard that Arrowhead has done their greens, so I’m hoping that they will be fast,” Rabren said. “I like playing on faster greens. Arrowhead is a scoreable course. I’m going to get pumped up and hopefully be able to make it to state. From there, I hope I can bounce back from a second place finish last year, and win it this year.”