SOUTHERN PINES — At the onset of her freshman season of high school golf, Talley Webb told her parents that her goal was to qualify for regionals.
That objective became a reality for the Richmond Senior High School golfer earlier this week at Longleaf Golf and Family Club.
One of 85 golfers competing at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A Central regional tournament, Webb made a push for the state championship Monday.
Teeing off at 7:50 a.m. as the tournament’s first golfer, Webb finished her inaugural regional round tied for 68th place.
As Richmond’s lone representative, and one of 18 freshmen playing, Webb finished the day with a 102. She shot a 48 on the front and followed that with a 52 on the back nine.
Webb’s score was matched by Zella Ann Cook of Mount Tabor High School. Her regional appearance was the first by a Lady Raider since former player Hailey Miller in 2019.
“I definitely had fun,” Webb said. “It was somewhat competitive. The end of the day was the most challenging part because it got really hot.
“I think I played the par fours really well and the first par three,” she continued. “It was a great experience and I hope to be able to continue to improve so that I can qualify again next year.”
On the day, Webb shot even on holes No. 3 and No. 6, a pair of par threes that were 77 and 81 yards, respectively. She also had five bogeys during her round.
Head coach Keith Parsons estimated that the cut was an 84. He added that the top 17 golfers not among the top three players on the top three teams qualified for the 4A state championship match.
Winning the 4A Central regional was Leah Edwards of Northwest Guilford High School, who shot a 68. Fellow Sandhills Athletic Conference golfer Ashley Lee of Pinecrest High School was the runner-up (69).
"Talley finished her ninth grade year in grand fashion and posted a more-than-respectable score,” Parsons commented. “On the front side, she had everything working. She drove it great and was exceptional on the greens.
“As the course dried out and the pace of the greens got faster, she wasn't quite as effective with her putter, which led to a slightly higher score.
"She has all the potential in the world, and I know she will strive to improve in the off-season,” he closed. “I can't wait to see what her future is."
Although she was disappointed in not advancing, Webb said she’s setting the bar high for next season. She hopes to get back to regionals and “qualify for the state championship.”
