Since the time that he took his first steps, Cristoffer Rudosky has been a fixture at Conquistador Golf Course, first becoming known as the cute kid tagging behind his dad’s golf cart and later becoming known for his smooth swing and deft short game.
Now, after a decorated high school career that concluded when he tied for fourth place at the Class 3A State Golf Championship earlier this year, the lanky Dolores High School senior is set to compete as a member of the Fort Lewis College golf team next season.
With his signing of a national letter of intent on April 11, Rudosky became the latest in a line of college golfers who played for Montezuma-Cortez High School. And he comes from a golfing family that includes his older brother, Jakob, who played for Missouri Western State University, and his father, Micah, the golf pro at Conquistador. His mother, Anett, manages the pro shop.
“It has been a lot of work, and I’ve had a few years where I haven’t played that good, but it’s awesome to be able to sign that piece of paper showing that you’ve done something,” Rudosky said. “It’s nice to stay local, and I think I can get a lot better at golf and get a good education.”
Rudosky’s signing came after a decorated prep career that included several regular season tournament victories and a 13th-place finish at the Class 3A State Tournament as a junior. The M-CHS golfer fully emerged last season thanks to his increased focus on his temperament.
“I get upset out there, and that’s one of my weak points, but I’ve been working on it the last few years, and I’m definitely getting better,” Rudosky said. “I can see the improvement, and my scores have been getting better. I just need to have fun out there, and I know that I can play with anyone.”
Rudosky will join a Fort Lewis College Program under third-year head coach Guy Begay, a PGA Class A professional who is an assistant golf professional at Hillcrest Golf Course in Durango.
Last season, Fort Lewis finished fifth at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Championship as six team members earned Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference postseason awards and eight were named to the all-academic team.
Asked what he believes will allow him to be successful in college, Rudosky mentioned his short game and then discussed his lofty goals, which include qualifying to compete in one of college golf’s most prestigious tournaments.
“I’d like to make it to the NCAA Championship, and I’d like to make a point that I’m here and I’m ready for college golf,” Rudosky said. “I’d like to win a couple of tournaments (next season), maybe one or two.”
While golf has been Rudosky’s focus during the past four years, the senior also spent time on the basketball court and started for Dolores High School’s varsity team during his senior season.
A family-focused individual who enjoys elk hunting and turkey hunting in his spare time, Rudosky thanked his parents for helping him balance athletics with academics. He also took a moment to acknowledge his local community.
“(Cortez) is awesome,” Rudosky said. “It’s small enough to where I know everyone and I feel like I’m part of this community, and it’s nice being here. “Going to (Dolores High School), it’s even smaller, but they have a nice program there.”