AMES – Entering Day Two of the Class 1A boys state golf championships, the Montezuma Braves knew they had given themselves a chance to win in Day One, but that they would have to play better.
They did. Problem was, three teams played eveb better than the Braves did.
Montezuma took 10 shots off its first day total. But Hillcrest Academy took off 24 strokes, West Fork reduced by 21 and Kingsley-Pierson shot better by 24.
It added up to a fourth-place team finish for the Braves in the school’s first-ever appearance in the state finals.
Montezuma’s two-day total of 664 was 14 shots behind state champion Hillcrest Academy’s 650.
A total of 10 complete teams and more than 60 golfers competed.
To show how intense Montezuma’s team effort was, consider that all six Braves shot better than they did the first day. In total, the six improved by 16 strokes.
Senior Maguire De Jong led the way with a 75, which included 4 birdies during his 18-hole round. He tied for 5th in the individual medalist race.
Cruz De Jong was in with a 79, followed by Max Anderson at 85, and Owen Cook at 88. The two non-counting Montezuma scores were 89 by Jack Erselius, and 92 by Carsten James.
Erselius’ score was five better than on Monday. Maguire De Jong was four shots better, and Max Anderson was four shots better.
Just 43 shots separated 10 teams of four players each over 36 holes.
Intensity was called for on every shot, and it was delivered.
Class 1A State Golf
at Ames Golf & Country Club
Final Team Scores – 1, Hillcrest Academy 650. 2, West Fork 655. 3, Kingsley-Pierson 660. 4, Montezuma 664. 5, Remsen-St. Mary’s 676.
6, Wapello 678. 7, South Hamilton 682. 8, Gehlen Catholic 691. 9, AGWSR 692. 10, CAM-Anita 693.
Braves Day Two Scores – Maguire De Jong 75. Cruz De Jong 79. Max Anderson 85. Owen Cook 88. Jack Erselius 89. Carsten James 92.