Four of the most decorated high school boys' golf programs in the Carolinas got more than they bargained for at the challenging Pinehurst No. 4 layout on Thursday afternoon.

Green Hope, the 2006 and 2007 4A state champion finished first with a team score of 306 on the rainy afternoon. Pinecrest, the defending 4A state champion finished in a tie for second with a 312 total led by Austin Dunlap with a round of 75. The other scores for Coach Sandy Sackmann's squad were a 77 by Sam Packard, a 78 by Bryan Stewart and an 83 by Colin Jameson. Pete Lineberger was unable to complete his round because of darkness.

Also at 312 was A.C. Flora of Columbia, S.C., the 2002, 2003, 2007 and 2008 3A champion in its state. Broughton, the 4A titleholder in North Carolina from 1998-2002 , and again in 2004, finished fourth at 323.

Thursday's play was in its sixth hour when darkness brought it to a close.For the North Carolina teams it was a chance to play on the course that will be the site for this year's state tournament on May 11 and 12.

"The conditions were miserable," Sackmann said, "but we need to play good competition on that course to prepare for states. I was pleased with our scores because it lets us know what we have to have for states.

"The players were constantly trying to keep grips and gloves dry -- an impossible task. Some of the greens were difficult to putt because of the rain, but it was good to see how they handled the conditions. I was proud of them - no complaining - just trudging forward and doing thier best."

Pinecrest returns to conference play on Monday with a match at Scotch Meadows.