For the Class 4A girls golf state championships, Durango played on arguably the toughest golf course it played on all year Tuesday and Wednesday in Grand Junction.
The Demons played at Tiara Rado during the season, but it was a different setup for the championships. After they played another practice round Monday, DHS head coach Kirk Rawles said they cut and rolled the greens, which made them pretty fast and was probably the “biggest” factor for the team. He said they also lengthened the course to about 5,700 yards and let the rough grow for the tournament.
“It made for a really difficult course, but when you get to state you expect that, and that’s the way it should be,” Rawles said.
The Demons didn’t quite reach their goals, which were to finish in the top 5 as a team and shoot in the 80s and finish in the top 20 as individuals to earn all-state honors. The team, however, did better than others predicted.
“We didn’t get there, but we were ranked 10th and finished eighth,” Rawles said. “The course was tough for everyone. I think it made a difference across the board and affected them by five or six strokes.”
Tuesday, juniors Natasha Walcott and Zayda Mestas shot a 95, and freshman Ellie White shot a 96. Walcott and Mestas tied for 29th in the field of 84. White was tied for 33rd.
“None of them could really get going,” Rawles said. “They couldn’t connect those two or three pars in a row to get their round started. They never got that momentum, and I don't think the rest of the field could find it either. The rough took a toll, and the putting was difficult to adjust to.”
The team made adjustments for Day 2 on Wednesday and improved a bit.
Mestas shot a 93 to finish tied for 29th with a two-day score of 188.
Walcott shot a 94 to place 32nd with a 189. White shot a 95 to place 35th with a 191.
“I think all three of us played a little better today,” White said.
“Today they shot about the same, but across the board, they played better,” Rawles said. “They were disappointed not to finish where they were trending, but their ranking will probably improve due to the difficulty of the course.”
In the team race, Erie shot a 480 to win the state title, followed by Mullen (494), Discovery Canyon (497), Windsor (500), Niwot (533), Cheyenne Mountain (559), Golden (565), Durango (568), Riverdale Ridge (573), The Classical Academy (597), Holy Family (604) and Dakota Ridge (628).
Hadley Ashton of Erie shot a 147 to win the individual title, finishing four shots ahead of Sofia Choi of Mullen.
The Demons finished second in their region to qualify for the state tournament. Their future shows promise.
“It was hugely successful for us,” Rawles said. “Over 30 girls came out, which is really healthy for golf. Were fortunate to have Hillcrest and Dalton as partners.”
And the state golfers return next year.
“The great thing is all three will be back next year,” Rawles said. “It was another learning experience, and when they go back next year, they’ll be more prepared and know what to expect.”
