The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission announced Monday the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling will retain the state high school golf tournament from 2025 through 2028.
Oglebay has been the home course for the state tournament since 2002.
ƵThe ƵSSAC is excited to partner with Oglebay Resort for the state golf championship,Ƶ ƵSSAC executive director David Price said in a news release. ƵThe venue provides a first-class experience for student-athletes, coaches and spectators.Ƶ
Some high-profile coaches disagreed with PriceƵs assessment of Oglebay, particularly The Jones Course at OglebayƵs Speidel Golf Club.
ƵIƵm very disappointed that the ƵSSAC chose Oglebay once again,Ƶ said Matt Stead, coach of defending state champion Cabell Midland. ƵThe Jones Course is not ideal for a state championship. The greens are too difficult for most high school golfers and there are too many holes that are unfair and donƵt reward you for a good shot.Ƶ
Stead used the 17th hole as an example, saying a perfect drive always rolls into the rough on the right side of the fairway.
ƵWeƵve had a lot of success up there the last 10 years, but Oglebay is not a reward for teams that get to the state tournament,Ƶ Stead said. ƵMost players leave frustrated and glad the state tournament is over. ThatƵs not how it should be.Ƶ
The ƵSSAC Board of Directors made the decision on April 8 Ƶfollowing a competitive bidding process that included proposals from multiple venues across the state,Ƶ according to a release from the commission.
Stead said heƵd like to see an Ƶopen and transparentƵ bid process to better understand why the ƵSSAC Board of Directors chose Oglebay. George Washington coach B.J. Calabrese shared SteadƵs concerns.
ƵƵk the kids and the parents if they enjoyed that experience,Ƶ Calabrese said. ƵIƵve had a couple of teams win the championship and not enjoy it. A coach joked a couple of years ago that if you added a windmill and a clownƵs face, it would be fitting for that course. I hate that we continue to do this to the kids. We are costing some kids scholarships.Ƶ
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