HIGH SCHOOL GOLF: Permian in second after Day 1 of Ratcliff-Dunn Tall City Invitational

Feb 23, 2013 (Odessa American - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- MIDLAND Freshman Parker Beaty had to wear two jackets to start his round at the Ratcliff-Dunn Tall City Invitational. He, like the weather -- which sat below freezing Friday morning in Midland -- eventually warmed up, and so did his golf game.

Beaty shed both extra layers and scorched the course with an even-par 71 to lead the Permian boys golf team, which shot 301 as a team to position itself in second place in the upper division heading into today's final round.

"Everyone is kind of upset that we shot over 300, but we still have tomorrow," Beaty said.

Beaty and Co. will be chasing Midland High, which registered a 293 to top the field Friday. Class 4A Wolfforth Frenship (302) is in third and El Paso Coronado (308) is in fourth.

"That's the best we've shot all year as a team," said Midland High's Zarek Crowder, who finished with a 1-over 72.

The 22 teams in the tournament will be split into two divisions, with the top-12 making up Division I. The others will vie for their own team title in Division II as the tournament shifts to at Hogan Park Golf Course.

The tournament was delayed for about an hour because of the cold start to the morning. Beaty's round included an eagle and three birdies, and he is tied with Frenship's Jack Vanderburg atop the individual leaderboard.

"It could have been better," said Beaty, who is a ninth grader at Bonham Junior High and immediately referenced the double bogey and three bogeys during his 18-holes, which were played on the East and West courses at Green Tree Country Club.

But, "It feels pretty good leading the team." While those over-par holes were not up to Beaty's standards, his eagle on the Par 5 fourth, was as ideal as can be. Beaty hit driver off the tee, then landed a 3-iron about 10 feet from the cup, where he putted home for the three. He also had three birdies.

"He's going to be a good one. I'm glad we are going to have him for the next few years," Panthers coach Shawn Mahan said of Beaty.

Mahan said he was pleased with his top group's performance, especially since the tournament is the first that that unit has entered since the fall semester. Austin Almond carded a 74, while Kelby Bridges, Anthony Marin and Andrew Moroles each shot 78, though only two of those were counted in the team total, which takes the top-four scores.

"We're OK with it. I know we left a lot out there, but at the same time we aren't too discouraged with that," Mahan said. "All in all, 301 is not bad." Matthew Sparks, a junior, shot 81 to anchor Odessa High. The Bronchos wrapped up the first round in 19th, totaling 349. Sophomore Byron Ramirez had the team's second lowest round with an 83.

"It's OK for me, I know personally I could do a lot better," Sparks said. "I pulled it around on the back nine." --Follow Joshua Weaver on Twitter @OAtheWeave ___ (c)2013 the Odessa American (Odessa, Texas) Visit the Odessa American (Odessa, Texas) at www.oaoa.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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