Harrison Hartke parlays passion for golf into Pribyl tournament title

CEDAR RAPIDS – Harrison Hartke recalled when he started golf.

He was 7 years old when his dad introduced him to the sport. Hartke quickly developed a passion for participating and observing.

“My dad showed me the sport golf and I just kept watching it on TV, like Tiger Woods and all those really good guys,” Hartke said. “I just started to want to play.”

Hartke has transformed that love into success. He fired 1-under 69 in the final round of the Rotary Pribyl golf tournament Thursday at Elmcrest Country Club. Hartke finished with a four-round total of 287 to win the boys’ open division, topping runners-up Henry Sobaski, of Cedar Rapids Prairie, and Marion’s Grady Oleson by four.

“I wouldn't be here without (my coach Brian Johnson) teaching me with these lessons,” Hartke said. “I just played my game. I just stay committed to every shot.”

Hartke was one shot off the lead after the first round at Gardner Golf Course and blistered his way to the lead after Round 2 with a 5-under 67 at Cedar Rapids Country Club. Sobaski entered the final round with a one-stroke lead after playing at Hunters Ridge. Hartke took control on the front and never looked back.

“That was really good experience to play all these four courses,” Hartke said. “They’re in great shape. Blessed enough to play in this.”

Hartke will begin his freshman season with Cedar Rapids Xavier next week. He competed against experienced players who have already won varsity tournaments, earned postseason honors and were state qualifiers. He wasn’t intimidated, noting that he’s always golfed with older friends.

“He doesn't play like a freshman,” Xavier Coach Brandon Schiltz said with a laugh. “He plays like a college kid. He's got a ton of power. He's built really well. He's got love for the game that you just can't forge. It's natural to him.

“Golf is his thing. He travels all over the place. They play in all the big tournaments.”

Hartke’s knack for golf was a mix of natural ability and hard work. He said his iron play is his strength on the course.

“I practice a lot on the range,” Hartke said. “I practice using different clubs and yardages and just shot shaping the ball.”

Hartke regained the lead with a scorching front nine, recording five birdies to just one bogey. He caught fire early, shooting under par on Nos. 1, 2 and 4 holes. He hit the turn with two consecutive birdies and a 4-under 31. Hartke added two more birdies on the back.

“Driver off the tee was pretty good,” Hartke said. “Stuck it close and made some putts.”

The title is a good springboard into his first high school season that starts Thursday at South Hills Golf Course in Waterloo. The young talent is ready for a new challenge.

“I'm really excited just because I never played high school golf before,” said Hartke, enjoying the social aspect playing with friends and family friends. “I get up play with my different teammates and a new coach, new school and everything. This is a good start to the season, I’d say.”

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Xavier also boasted the girls’ open champion as well. Hayley Morris closed with 81 at Elmcrest, giving her a three-round total of 238. She won by 15 strokes.

Morris contributed to family success at the annual golf event. Her dad, Jared, claimed the boys’ novice title in 1991.

Cedar Rapids Washington’s Shaylin Munson and Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Autumn Reep tied for second with 253 apiece.

Visit the Rotary Pribyl site for complete open and novice division results.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com