Boys Golf Player of the Year: Port Clinton's Marcus Hunt

Marcus Hunt saved his best for the last in the 2008 golf season.

And that catapulted him to the top as the Fandy.com Magazine Boys Golf Player of the Year.

The Port Clinton High School junior qualified for the Division II state tournament in the individual category.

He fired an 86 the first day of the 36-hole event, and carded a 45 on his first nine the second day. Actually, everything fell together the last 10 holes. Hunt posted a one-over-par 37 on the second nine (front side), and was even for the final 10 holes to finish with 82 and a two-day 168 total.

"I really didn't feel I played that well early in the season, but managed to play well enough to qualify for the state. It was a back-and-forth type of season until the last 10 holes I played. I had three birdies and some how pulled my game together. It was a long season, but I was happy with the way it finished. Now I'm taking time off, but I'll be ready for my senior year," Hunt said.

"It's a nice honor to be chosen as the Player of the Year, and I'm looking forward to next year," said Hunt who was also named the Sandusky Bay Conference Player of the Year for 2008 after leading the field in stroke average.

"I want to be more consistent. It's hard to explain, but at times I would falter in one area, and play well in another, then go the other way," Hunt said. "I really want to improve on my 18-hole scoring. I was medalist only twice this past season. My nine-hole average got better." Hunt's SBC average was at 35.5 compared to 36.9 as a sophomore when he also earned first-team SBC honors.

"My big goal is to get back to the state, and this time win a championship. I realize that is a long way off, but I will be ready for the summer tournaments, and playing the Catawba Island Club course a lot will only help me improve my game," Hunt said.

"Overall, I don't think I will play in that many national-type tournaments. I want to stay closer to home and get ready for what is a long season. The key for me is to keep the ball in play and stay away from those dreaded bogeys. It's easier said than done," Hunt said.

Redskins coach Rick Dominick talked about Hunt.

"Marcus was under heavy pressure all year long, and I felt he handled it well,'' Dominick said. "The finish he had in the state championship will only benefit him in the future."