Tyrone junior Andrew Ferguson had a tough first day round of 89 at the state golf finals at Heritage Hills Country Club in York on October 23, but bounced back the next day to shoot a 77, ending his first trip to the state tournament in 24th place.

“I did a lot of stupid, uncharacteristic things on the first day,” said Ferguson. “I had a couple of nines, which didn’t help. The first nine I made, I hit a bad drive. I had to hit it under one pine tree and cut it around another. I did that perfectly but I couldn’t see where it went, and the monitor couldn’t find the ball. So I had to drop and hit it again. It should’ve been a seven at worst.”

On day two Ferguson started out struggling, bogeying five of his first six holes.  But on the seventh hole, he began to find his game and finished the front nine with four pars.

Then on the par three number 5, Ferguson made his first birdie of the event.  He followed it up with another birdie on number 6.

On the next hole, he hit a great drive, hit a bullet four iron to within a few inches of the cup, and tapped in for eagle. On number 8, he bladed a four iron within five feet of the hole and made birdie.

Then, on the last hole Furguson hit a great drive, a decent second wedge to about fifteen feet, and then four-putted the hole.  “That kind of summed up the tournament for me,” said Ferguson.

Despite finishing 24th, well short of his goal of returning with a medal, Ferguson is thankful for the experience.

“All in all, I’ll chalk it up to a great experience with a great atmosphere,” said Ferguson. “Next year, I look to capitalize on the mistakes I made and come out with a top five or a state title.”

Ferguson had a great season, winning several tournaments and matches.  He qualified for states by winning the District VI title and tying for 3rd at regionals.

“Knowing that my brother Jimmy won districts twice, I made up my mind that I was going to do my best to win this year. I found myself struggling in the beginning, but got hot and was able to finish with an even-par round and a one-shot lead on day one. Then the second day, I knew I had to play well. I was able to make a few timely putts and won by three strokes.”

According to assistant coach Matt Brooks, Ferguson has much to be proud of.

“Andrew came into the season with confidence and wanted to accomplish much more than last year,” said assistant golf coach Matt Brooks, “He put in the hard work and dedication, and it showed this season.”