Iowa high school boys’ spring golf 2024: Gazette area golfers and teams to watch

Gazette area golfers and teams to watch for the 2024 Iowa high school boys’ spring golf season.

Boys’ spring golf 2024: Gazette area golfers to watch

Roman Roth, Washington (Iowa), sr., defending Class 3A state champion, tied for seventh in 2022, two-time Southeast Conference medalist, averaged 36.57 per nine holes and 73.71 for 18, was fifth in 3A with 38.0 combined adjusted average.

Jack McCarty, Solon, sr., placed third at the 3A state meet, tied for 20th in 2022 and sixth in 2021, Wamac Super Meet, sectional and district medalist, shot 73.57 per round and 39.86 for nine holes, posted 39.19 combined adjusted average, University of Iowa signee.

Isaiah Zoske, Solon, jr., tied for eighth at last year’s 3A state meet, tied for 10th as a freshman, 2022 district medalist, first-team all-Wamac, averaged 74 per 18 holes and 36.14 per nine, ranked sixth in 3A with 38.09 combined adjusted average.

Luke Harwick, Dyersville Beckman, sr., placed fourth at 2A state meet last season, 2022 2A state runner-up, first-team all-River Valley Conference, won Iowa PGA Junior Tour Fall Classic, ranked third in 2A with a 37.71 combined adjusted average, posted 71.75 average per round and 37.0 per nine holes.

Brandon Tournier, Oelwein, jr., placed third at 2023 2A state tournament, 3A district qualifier as a freshman, all-North Iowa Cedar League performer, averaged 75.67 per 18 holes and 38.25 per nine, ranked 12th in 2A with 39.06 combined adjusted average.

Rowan Miller, Hillcrest Academy, soph., tied for seventh at 1A at state last year, averaged 81.0 for 18 holes and 42.75 per nine holes, finished with 42.96 combined adjusted average.

Carter Lamont, Vinton-Shellsburg, sr., tied for eighth at the 3A state tournament last season, district qualifier in 2022, Wamac Super Meet runner-up, 2023 Iowa City Junior champion, averaged 74.29 per 18 holes and 40.71 per nine with 40.21 combined adjusted average.

Lawson Berndt, Marion, sr., second-team all-state performer, first-team all-Wamac conference, fifth at Wamac Super meet, ranked 19th in 3A with 40.12 combined adjusted average, shot 77.4 per round and 42.78 per nine holes.

Boys’ spring golf 2024: Teams to watch

Solon: The Spartans placed fifth at state last season after two straight state runner-up finishes. They have three experienced golfers in Jack McCarty, Isaiah Zoske and Brennan Heesch. All three have been starters since their freshman year. Holes exist due to graduation. With 65 golfers on the roster, Solon has depth to pull from, including some upperclassmen who have been waiting for their chance in the lineup.

Hillcrest Academy: The Ravens are the defending 1A state team champions, completing a perfect season with a 37-0 record. They also return three starters in Rowan Miller, Liam Schrock and Seth Ours. Only one other golfer returns with varsity experience from last season so Hillcrest will have to find a couple newcomers to fill out the starting six.

Williamsburg: The Raiders have a strong golf tradition. They qualified for the 3A state tournament last season and finished third at the Wamac Super Meet in a tough conference. The Raiders return four starters, including second-team all-Wamac and all-state performer Crew Klingner, who tied for eighth at state. Bryce Yearian and Cooper Bott earned all-conference honors. Robbie Allison also has state experience. A strong nucleus to lead the way.

Montezuma: The Braves are coming off a fourth-place finish at the 1A state tournament. They return five golfers who logged varsity rounds last season, including three who contributed at state. The Braves are the defending South Iowa Cedar League champions. Cruz DeJone leads Montezuma, posting a 41.08 combined adjusted average (12th in 1A), shooting 79.4 per round. Jack Erselius and Max Anderson are top returners for a team with the potential to reach state again.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com