Hopkins shoots 1-under 71 to lead Class 6A at Hillcrest CC
BARTLESVILLE — An eagle and two birdies led to a 1-under round of 71 and a four-shot lead for Bartlesville’s Faith Hopkins after the first round of the Class 6A State Championship on her home course Hillcrest Country Club.
The Oklahoma State signee’s superb effort kept the Bruins in the thick of the team race as well, just three shots behind Jenks (333) and one shot ahead of Edmond North at 337. Bixby, led by Natalie Gough’s round of 75, second best in the tournament, is third at 344.
Hopkins eagled the par-5 seventh hole and added two birdies to overcome strong winds and a fast-running course in which the Bermuda fairways and roughs have only just begun to fill in after a rough winter.
“It’s been my dream since I was little to win a state title and I haven’t got the job done yet,” Hopkins said. “I’ve tried the last couple of years and have fallen short. To win it on my home course with all my family and friends here, it would mean the world to me.”
Hopkins said her extensive experience on the demanding Hillcrest layout was invaluable.
“It means a lot, especially on this course,” she said. “The best thing is knowing where not to miss.”
Sapulpa’s Makenzie Hughes made a hole-in-one on the par-3 fourth hole.
Class 6A championship
At Hillcrest Country Club, Bartlesville
Par 72
Teams
1. Jenks 333
2. Bartlesville 336
3. Edmond North 337
4. Bixby 344
5. Norman 351
6. Broken Arrow 366
7. Union 367
8. Yukon 368
9. Ed. Memorial 380
10. Ed. Deer Creek 390
10. Southmoore 390
12. Owasso 405
Top Individuals
1. Faith Hopkins, Bartlesville 71
2. Natalie Gough, Bixby 75
3t. Madison Smith, Southmoore 79
3t. Mia Pendleton, Choctaw 79
5. Grace Griggs, Edmond North 80
6t. Faith Belmear, Owasso 81
6t. Avery Clevenger, Broken Arrow 81
6t. Madison Foster, Owasso 81
6t. Hayden Meiser, Norman 81
10t. Lilly Whitley, Edmond Memorial 82
10t. Emilie Jackson, Edmond North 82