NEW YORK STATE BOYS GOLF: GOOD LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR BANKS AS HE FINISHES SEASON AT STATES (2022-06-06)

By Brian Fees
Tioga County Sports Report
ELMIRA — The final score may not have been everything that Jacob Banks wanted, but for the Spencer Van-Etten/Candor golfer the experience is something that can only help him next year.

Banks wrapped up his season at the NYSPHSAA Boys’ Golf Championships at Mark Twain Golf Course on Monday morning as he shot an 86. Banks had an 80 on Sunday for a two-day score of 166, placing him 69th in the state.

“It’s a really nice experience, the whole thing,” Banks said of playing at the state meet.

For Banks, a junior, getting to states is something that will make him a better golfer his senior year.

“I think it’s definitely a positive experience, it will help push forward for next year,” Banks said.

This year there were some nerves for Banks as he had his first taste of the state meet.

“A little bit,” he said. “It’s inevitable, there are going to be nerves, you just have to deal with it.”

And, Monday was a bit different as he was teeing off at 7:30 a.m., a lot earlier start than he’s had throughout the high school season.

“It’s tough, but two other guys in my group had to do it to, so you just have to deal with it,” Banks said.

This year was a bit of a learning experience as Banks got a chance to compete with the best golfers in the state.

“It’s different, they all make quality shots, you just have to be smart,” Banks said.

And, Banks used the opportunity to watch, and learn, from other golfers.

“For sure, where to hit it, how to hit it, just kind of the course knowledge, the game knowledge.”

Next year SVEC returns their entire lineup, and Banks is excited to see what they can do.

“We are returning all of them, so hopefully we can keep grinding and keep getting better,” Banks said.

After making it to states this year, Banks will definitely talk to his teammates about the experience as he hopes to see more of them at states with him next year.

“It would be really cool,” Banks said of having more SVEC golfers at states next year. “Just going to encourage them to do their best and see if they can get there.”

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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES