Gazette area teams struggle during first round of Class 4A boys’ state golf tournament

JOHNSTON – The greens were fast and firm with tricky pin placements.

The scores reflected the challenge faced by area golfers.

Cedar Rapids Xavier tied for eighth and Linn-Mar was 12 th after the first round of the Class 4A boys’ state golf tournament Monday at Hyperion Field Club. West Des Moines Dowling fired 295, leading second-place Johnston by seven. Waukee’s Jonathan Ward led the individual race, carding 3-under 69.

“The course is in great shape, but the greens are definitely faster than what we’ve seen this season,” Xavier Coach Brandon Schiltz said. “Add in a strong field and the stakes of the state tournament, and it challenged everyone to really stay mentally sharp.”

Saints senior Jack Pauly shot 78 and is tied for 24th. Teammate Logan Otting came in at 79 to tie for 30 th. Jacob Schmit added an 80, while Ben Braksiek and Harrison Hartke tied for Xavier’s fourth score with 83 and a team total of 320.

Schiltz said he was proud of the way the Saints competed and supported each other. They showed composure and battled through the round.

“We just need to stay patient, trust our game, and make a few more confident strokes on the greens,” Schiltz said. “If we stick to what’s worked all year, I think we’ll finish strong.”

Christian Cloyd and Max Faulkner posted 80 apiece to lead Linn-Mar. Trevor Denny scored 85 and Chase Bowman’s 87 completed the Lions’ 332.

“Tomorrow will be tougher weather-wise so we can’t feel sorry for ourselves out there,” Linn-Mar Coach Chris James said. “I think it will be a day we could climb some spots on the leaderboard, if we just stay in it mentally.”

Ward was one of three golfers to break par Monday. He will start the second round with a one-stroke edge over North Scott’s Jaxon Adkisson. Johnston’s Andrew Johannsen was third at 71. Dowling’s Dewell Anderson and Dallas Center-Grimes’ Drake Jordan rounded out the top five, shooting even-par 72 apiece.

The Maroons closed Day 1 at 5-over with three in the top 10. Elijah Anderson was sixth with 73, while Ryan Fitzgerald shot to tie for seventh. Charlie DePhillips added a 76 for Dowling.

The hometown Dragons countered with four in the top 24. In addition to Johannsen, Lucas Laffoon shot 76, Jaden Young carded 77 and Henry Baker closed with 78 for a team total of 302. Pleasant Valley was third with 306.

The second round begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Tickets are $10 per person and available at https://www.iahsaa.org/tickets/

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com