On what turned out to be the final day of sports for the 2020-2021 sports season in Grant County, the tremendous career of Mississinewa’s Ty Corey came to an end, as well as Justin Dakin’s, while Eastbrook’s all underclassmen squad battled admirably in a field of tough competitors at The Player’s Club in Yorktown.
Corey came out firing on the front nine, rallying from a first hole bogey to record a pair of birdies and five pars, which helped him find his rhythm quickly.
“He had a bad three-putt on one, but then had a great second shot on three for birdie to get back to even,” Mississinewa Head Coach Andy Varner said. “He had another birdie [as well.] He was solid on the front nine.”
“I just came out on the front and hit really good shots,” Corey added. “My numbers were working perfect. I putted well. I just did everything well.”
However, the back nine was not as kind.
After being forced to take a stroke penalty after a poor drive on hole 10, Corey was unable to recover, finishing +9 on the final nine holes.
“He had a bad tee shot on 10 that, unfortunately, set the tone for the back nine,” Varner said. “Golf is that way. One bad swing and you think everything you shouldn’t be thinking. I think that’s what happened.”
Despite that, however, Corey still finished with a solid score of 81, putting a capper on what has been an incredible high school tenure at Mississinewa – one that he will look back on with fondness.
“My senior season was pretty good,” Corey said. “I medaled in conference, and overall, I just played really well. Grant Four wasn’t my best, but other than that, I was happy with the way I played.
“I’m just proud of the whole team. Every team I’ve been a part of, [there have been] a lot of great memories, a lot of good golf, and a little bit of bad golf. I’m sad to see it go, but I know I had a good time, and I’m thankful for that.”
After not playing a season ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Varner, after serving as an assistant in 2019, took the head job in 2021 and helped Corey take his game to new heights.
The senior credited Varner, an excellent golfer in his own right, for his stout play throughout the season.
“He was great,” Corey said of Varner. “No matter what it was…he always helped me. When I made a mistake, he would help me calm down and get my stuff back together. He was a great coach.”
Dakin finished his high school career with a 98, and Varner thanked both he and Corey not only for their tireless work ethic, but the lasting impression they will leave on the Mississinewa boys golf program.
“They are both great kids on the golf course, and even better off the course, which is all you can ask for,” Varner said. “I’m proud of both of them. They didn’t have the round they wanted to today, but I’m definitely proud of them.”
After scoring an 85 at the Norwell sectional, Eastbrook’s Andrew Jarck capped off a strong season with an 83 at The Players Club, which included a 39 on the front nine. Tyler Harness fired a 94 for the Panthers, while Cole Myrick finished with a 99.
