Playing in their first tournament of the season, Montezuma-Cortez Golfers would have been excused had they felt some butterflies in their stomachs. There were no butterflies for this group, however, only birdies.
Competing at the Eagle Valley Invitational at Gypsum Creek Golf Course on Aug. 14, the MCHS golf team looked strong, finishing second to Steamboat Springs High School. As a group, MCHS shot a combined score of 234, an especially impressive number considering that some of the team’s best golfers did not enjoy their best day.
Leading the charge for the Panthers was junior Hayden Plewe. Posting one of the state’s most impressive early season rounds, Plewe carded a one-under 71, which was good enough to win the tournament by three strokes.
Also playing well for the Panthers was senior Jakob Rudosky, who recorded a score of 76. As outstanding as Rudosky’s round was, there is no reason to think that last year’s regional tournament hero will not shoot lower numbers in the near future.
Rounding out the Panthers’ top three was junior Ryan Aiken, who began the season with a score of 87. Even though Aiken did not play his best, the junior was able to post a sub-90 round, an outstanding score for many high school golfers.
After returning home for the weekend, the Panthers hit the road again on Aug. 19 to compete in a one-day tournament held in Grand Junction. Later this week, on Aug. 21, the Panthers will play a tournament in Cortez before again leaving the friendly confines of home for Pagosa Springs on Aug. 22.
While it is still too early to assess just how good this year’s team will be, a second place finish to open the season is certainly a step in the right direction. In the coming weeks, similar steps are sure to come. The good times are just beginning.
