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Pat McCool has set a goal this week for Polk County’s golf team.

He’s hoping the Wolverines get an opportunity to chase it.

Polk County players are scheduled to tee off Monday morning in the state 1A golf championship at Longleaf Golf and Family Club in Southern Pines. The Wolverines are in the later group of players starting their rounds, with Myles Menetre the first to go at 10:48 a.m.

Tourin Jackson follows at 10:57 a.m., with Brody Wilkins at 11:06 a.m., Piercen Edwards at 11:15 a.m. and Gage Harden in the day’s final group at 11:24 a.m.

All of those times are very tentative – Southern Pines is under a flood watch Monday, with 1-3 inches of rain in the forecast. Tuesday’s outlook is only slightly better, with light rain expected all day.

“We’re hoping to finish in the top 10,” McCool said. “Rain is the biggest challenge right now, although our round (Sunday, a practice round) was dry.”

The 2024 state tourney was shortened to 27 holes due to rain. Getting that much play in early this week would be an accomplishment.

A pair of seniors – Christ The King’s Colin Ferrick and Mount Airy’s Brandon Bowman – are among the individual favorites. Ferrick, who will play next season at LaSalle, had a 5-under-par 67 at the 1A West Regional and placed third at last year’s state event. Bowman won the Midwest Regional with a 71.

Mount Airy placed second last season behind Mitchell, which didn’t qualify this year. Neither did last year’s third and fourth-place teams, Mountain Island Charter and Cornerstone Charter.