High school boys’ golf participation remains strong in Cedar Rapids area

Boys’ golf still remains popular at the high school level.

Many area teams have seen consistent or increased participation this fall. Some have had to have tryouts and cut down to a manageable roster. Varsity numbers are solid this fall.

“All the boys’ programs that I know of are in good shape for numbers,” Cedar Rapids Washington Coach Denny Goettel said. “I don’t think anyone is unhappy.”

There are multiple factors that have led to constant stream of players, especially for the larger schools. One is a residual effect from the pandemic. Golf was one of the activities that was allowed and deemed safe at the time. Athletes picked up clubs and never put them down.

“We had a record number this year with 38 trying out,” Iowa City Liberty Coach Brian Wernimont said in a text message with The Gazette. “We added a practice squad for those that did not make the regular roster to keep them involved for future considerations. Most teams are seeing solid participation since COVID brought a lot of new people to golf.”

Iowa City High Coach Derek Birt noted he had 40 players try out, estimating it was a little more than three times more than a handful of seasons ago.

Cedar Rapids Xavier Coach Brandon Schiltz said he had 22 players on the roster last season without needing to cut any players. Xavier has 24 players this year, which was trimmed down from 29 to start.

Linn-Mar Coach Chris James said numbers have been steady. Forty golfers tried out for the team, which is average according to James.

Erik Columbus had 47 golfers tryout for Cedar Rapids Prairie. His roster was shrunk to 32.

“It’s steady, if not trending upward,” Columbus said. “We’re averaging about 10 more kids coming out for boys. Girls are pretty steady.”

Columbus discussed the topic with Airport National PGA Assistant Golf Pro Ben Montgomery and former Hawk golfer and Associate Golf Pro Justin Valde.

“Justin said there have been more golfers since COVID and it’s sticking,” Columbus said. “Ben says it’s more popular. It wasn’t just a fad.”

Youth programs have made an impact as well. Goettel said the Optimist Junior Golf Program has five events during the summer and draws over 100 player per event. Some summer events have waiting lists, according to Columbus.

The Rotary Pribyl hosted one of its largest fields, showing the interest continues to grow at various levels. Washington also encourages middle school golfers to join practices. Goettel said about seven golfers have attended with a couple regulars, who aren’t in middle school activities.

“The opportunities are there,” said Goettel, a co-chair for the Pribyl. “We had record numbers this year (for the Pribyl). We had almost 150 kids sign up.”

Goettel also praised former Elmcrest Pro Larry Gladson, who dedicated years to mentoring players. Elmcrest head PGA golf pro Brian Buerman and PGA teaching professional Brian Johnson, Kari Tomash and Davis Sutton at Cedar Rapids Country Club have worked with players.

“I think the junior programs at the clubs are as good as they’ve ever been, right now,” Goettel said. “That’s helpful for some of the schools.”

Cedar Rapids Xavier fires 1-over

Xavier remains the highest ranked area team in Class 4A. The Saints are 10th in combined adjusted average, posting a 150.18 through five 18-hole rounds and seven total meets.

Xavier already set a school record for 18-hole team score with 290 at the Warrior Invitational earlier this season. The Saints added to their strong start with a 1-over par 145 in a quadrangular Monday at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls.

Pranay Monga led the way with 1-under 35, earning medalist honors. Jack Pauly and Grant Allen added 36 and Jacob Schmit had 38. The Saints shot 149 to win a triangular at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City on Aug. 29.

Big start to next week

Next week opens with two notable competitions on the fall golf slate. The first Mississippi Valley Conference divisionals will be held Monday. The MVC Super Meet, which opened the season, and two divisional meets will be combined to determine conference honors at the end of the three rounds.

The MVC Mississippi consists of Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Dubuque Senior, Iowa City Liberty, Iowa City West, Linn-Mar, Western Dubuque and Xavier. They will play at Finkbine.

Cedar Falls will host the MVC Valley meet at Pheasant Ridge. The field includes Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Dubuque Hempstead, Dubuque Wahlert, Iowa City High, Prairie, Washington and Waterloo West.

The CRANDIC meet will be held the next day. Schools in the Cedar Rapids/Marion Metro and Iowa City, except for spring programs Marion and Iowa City Regina, will compete in the annual event.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com