Riverside Freshman Skyler Fox Wins 2016 WPIAL 2-A Golf Title

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, September 29, 2016 | 9:31 PM

Despite his youth, Riverside’s Skyler Fox showed no signs of freshman nerves, as he made par on the 18^th hole to secure the 2016 WPIAL Boys Class 2A Individual Championship. Fox, who also had the best qualifying round last week, shot a two-over 72 to claim gold at Allegheny Country Club in Sewickley.

Holding a one stroke lead entering the tee box on the par-4 final hole, Fox hit his drive to the right of the fairway, into the rough. He produced a spectacular second shot that found the green, though, which allowed him two opportunities with the putter. Although his first attempt on a downhill lie traveled past the cup, Fox sank a short uphill putt to conclude his incredible round. He shot a 36 on both the front and back nine.

Fox edged a pair of players, South Park’s Tyler Brinker, and the 2015 champion Jason Li, of Sewickley Academy, both of whom shot 73. Quaker Valley’s Chris Tanabe, who captured the title in 2014, finished in a tie for fourth with McGuffey’s Colin Chapman.

Rainy and windy conditions earlier in the round prompted a brief delay for the 44 competitors, as the grounds crew repaired greens that were saturated by water.

The top 16 finishers advanced to the PIAA Western Regional, which will be held at Tom’s Run Golf Course at Chestnut Ridge in Blairsville on Oct. 17. Among the qualifiers, all were juniors and seniors except for Fox, and sophomores Tre Bartony and Tiger Hubbard.

Southmoreland’s Josh Redding earned the final spot in the western regional, as he edged California’s Nathan Luketich on the first playoff hole. As a result, Luketich will serve as an alternate.