Hudson Qualifies For PIAA Golf Championships

Ellwood City’s Joey Hudson shot a round of 83 at the par-70 Allegheny Country Club Thursday afternoon to finish 11th overall in the WPIAL boys golf championships, helping qualify for the state championships later this month.

“My round at Allegheny was a roller coaster as I had many ups and downs throughout,” Hudson said. “The playing conditions at the course were tough as the winds were very high and the greens were lightning quick. I had only played one time at the course before the WPIAL finals.”

Despite the challenges, Hudson nailed the most vital shot to his success—the tee shot on number 15.

“It was important because on the hole before I had an 8 and needed to recover so I wouldn’t snowball into trouble,” Hudson said. “I stuck the shot to 2 feet and made the putt for birdie to get back on track.”

Although the wind was a constant challenge to Hudson, he was able to overcome it by adjusting his shots.

“On the back the wind really picked up and made the conditions unreasonably hard,” Hudson said. “From that point on I started to hit low shots to keep it out the wind the best I could.”

Coach Samuel Barry said he couldn’t be prouder of Hudson.

“Joey played great, he handled the difficult conditions at Alleghany CC and capitalized on his opportunity,” Barry said. “Joey has had a great season, and has led the team to a 9-3 records, and another section title. I am proud of Joey. He has worked very hard this season and over the last three years to become a better golfer and get to this point. Making it to states is a huge accomplishment and I am sure he will remember this for a long time”

Hudson will without a doubt remember the day, especially his best shot.

“On hole six I was in a bunker with a tucked lie and the pin about 30 yards away,” he said. “I hit my bunker shot to about 3 feet from the hole and had an easy uphill putt.”

Hudson plans to prepare for the PIAA Championship by tailoring his game so it’s best suited for the course.

“I will be practicing every day with my team on my home course,” he said. “I will concentrate on improving my driving accuracy as I expect the fairways to be tight on the course in York.”

Hudson is thrilled to have advanced and believes practice has paid off.

“This year my number one goal was the improve my chipping and short game as that was the number one killer of my rounds the last year,” he said.

Although Hudson hopes to continue playing golf in college, he said his primary goal will be focusing on his education. He plans to major in mechanical engineering.

The low 12 scores in the boys division advance directly to the PIAA championships that will be played October 19-20 at Heritage Hills Resort in York. View Full List of qualified 2A boys golfers.

Tim Fitzgerald won the WPIAL Class 2A boys golf championship with an even round of 70.

Last year, Riverside senior Skyler Fox won the PIAA Class 2A Golf Championship held at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York with a two-round total (72-72) of 144, [READ MORE]