On the course: Randall won the District 3-5A tournament at the Ross Rogers Golf Complex by the almost the narrowest of margins last week, and Provence was the biggest reason why, as he also won by the smallest of margins. Provence successfully defended the individual championship he won as a sophomore by playing consistently, shooting back-to-back 74s for a 36-hole total of 148, as he defeated Tascosa’s Ethan Evans by one stroke. That was the highlight of the tournament for Randall, who shot a 317-306-623 to rally past Tascosa, who shot a 625 to finish second. Provence and Randall have both qualified for the Region I-5A tournament scheduled for April 18-19 at Ralls Golf Course in Lubbock. Provence and Randall will try to reach the state tournament for the second straight year. Last year they made it with a team including Provence’s older brother Stetston, who’s since graduated, and finished seventh.
Coach Ben Gilliland: “It think it was pretty huge, especially for confidence that we’ve needed this year. Even though Wyatt didn’t play his absolute best, I think it showed that he’s in the right direction moving into regionals and hopefully into state. He definitely sets confidence for the rest of the team. Wyatt just doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. He’s very consistent, he strikes the ball well, he’s able to play the ball in the wind, which was pretty important this last week, especially in the Panhandle of Texas. Last year his older brother was on the team and that kind of pushed him, but this year it’s been kind of interesting to watch him have that self-drive to be as good as he can be.”
Provence: “I played pretty well but I could have putted much better than what I did. I’m just glad that we came out with the victory. I was playing with the kid who was right behind me and I was right there with him the whole round on the second day. I did what I needed to. I’m pretty satisfied with it because I think only two people have (won back-to-back 3-5A titles). I’m pretty excited about that. I just went in there and played my game and didn’t think anything of it. I just did what I had to do. I’m just going to work as hard as I can out here at practice every day and go try and win (regionals) as well. The course is much harder and it will be more of a challenge for us but I think we can do it.”
About Provence
Favorite band or musician: Drake
Favorite social media platform: Snapchat
Favorite athlete: Justin Thomas
Bet you didn’t know: Played basketball through junior high.
Parents: Regan and Lori Provence