Zach Griswold capped off a strong high school golf career for the Durango Demons this week, tying for 33rd out of 83 golfers at the 4A Boys Golf State Championships in Montrose.

Griswold shot a combined 18 over par in two rounds spanning Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

“I putted really well,” Griswold said. “On the first day, I had 32 putts and I just felt like once I got within six feet, I made the putt. I was really proud of that. The thing I struggled with the most was probably my chipping. I was losing a lot of strokes here and there. Whether it was not getting as close to the hole or just not even getting it on the green with the double chip or something.”

Griswold shot 7 over par on the first day and 11 over par on the final day, on a course he said was in great shape despite the rain on the first day. The senior said the course played hard and fun with its longer holes and shorter par 4s that were drivable if a player wanted to be aggressive.

Evergreen won the team state championship at 14 over par, six strokes better than second-place Grand Junction. Noah Richmond of Montrose won the individual title with a score of 3 under par.

“Even though it didn't finish up as I wanted, it was the best I played,” Griswold said of his three state championship appearances. “I also really enjoyed it this year. Montrose hosted really well. They did like a raffle and they did a barbecue. It just felt more like an experience with everyone.”

bkelly@durangoherald.com