Iowa high school golf notes: Cedar Rapids Prairie freshman Henry Sobaski produces best varsity finish at Cedar Falls Invitational

Henry Sobaski gave himself an extra reason to celebrate his 15th birthday.

The Cedar Rapids Prairie freshman enjoyed a round surrounded by teammates. He also posted his best varsity 18-hole score.

Sobaski carded a 2-under 70 and earned co-medalist honors at the Cedar Falls Invitational on Tuesday at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course. He tied Cedar Falls’ Evan Schofield with the best individual score and helped the Hawks to a fourth-place finish with a 301.

“I was confident, and I was ready,” Sobaski said. “I didn’t want to play bad on my birthday, so I wanted to give it my all.”

Prairie Coach Erik Columbus wanted Sobaski to have a special day. He didn’t expect him to post an 18-hole low, dropping his average per round to 78.29 and combined adjusted average to 39.1.

“To be honest, I was just really hoping he'd have at least an OK day, so it wouldn't be a not-so-stellar birthday memory,” Columbus said. “But, for him to post his best (high school) round and tie for first, I couldn't be happier for him.”

The round had an ominous start. Sobaski said he bogeyed his first two holes and three of his first six. As the round progressed, he noticed he was making more putts to go along with accurate shots off the tee that allowed him to hit 13 of 14 fairways. The close was strong, scoring under par his final three holes.

“My goal for the round was just to play my game,” Sobaski said. “Stay in the moment, don’t get too far ahead, and hit the best shot I could every time.

“I got on a huge par streak … I finished birdie-birdie-birdie, so that was a real confidence booster.”

Sobaski entered high school with high expectations. He was already an accomplished competitor, playing in state, national and world level events. Tuesday’s effort was a breakthrough for this fall.

He has demonstrated growth beyond his age and embraces his role in the team’s success.

“Henry really has been patient this whole season for a result like the Cedar Falls Invite,” Columbus said. “After tournaments where he felt he hadn't gotten the results he wanted, he hasn't gotten down on himself but has focused his energy to the next event and stuck to his process. Really showing maturity above what a now 15-year-old would typically show.”

Sobaski possesses a consistency that isn’t common in freshmen. He has a complete game and a basic approach to play.

“I really play simple,” Sobaski said. “I hit the fairway. I hit the green and one-putt. I’m good all around. I don’t think there is really a weak point.”

The notable performance occurred on a special day. What else did Sobaski do for his birthday?

“I got to hang out with my friends and family and that was pretty cool,” Sobaski said. “That’s all that really mattered.”

MVC divisionals conclude Monday

The Mississippi Valley Conference concludes divisional play Monday at 9:30 a.m. The Mississippi Division will play at Airport National, while the Valley Division competes at The Meadows Golf Course in Dubuque. The three-round competition, which includes the MVC Super Meet and two divisional rounds, determines team divisional champions and all-conference honors for individuals.

Dubuque Wahlert leads Cedar Rapids Xavier by 13 strokes in the Mississippi team race. The Golden Eagles’ Ben Dolter is first in the individual standings with a 141 total, seven shots ahead of Saints freshman Logan Otting. Iowa City Liberty’s J.J. Grimm is third at 149 and teammate Vaughn Tyler is tied for fourth at 150.

In the Valley, Iowa City High sits atop the team standings with a 610 total, leading second-place Cedar Rapids Kennedy by nine. Western Dubuque is third at 620. Kennedy’s defending state champion Reid Hall is attempting to win his second straight Player of the Year honor. He is tied with City High sophomore Jack Rogers for the lead with 139 through two rounds. Linn-Mar’s Christian Cloyd (148), Western Dubuque’s Brock Wilson (149) and Kennedy’s Leo Koester (152) round out the top five.

Iowa high school golf postseason assignments

District meets are scheduled for Oct. 2. Liberty will host at Brown Deer Golf Club in Coralville. The Lightning and Iowa City West will compete in a 15-team field that includes No. 2 Pleasant Valley and No. 5 Wahlert.

Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Washington, Kennedy, Xavier, City High and Western Dubuque will travel to the Pheasant Ridge district hosted by Cedar Falls.

Linn-Mar and Prairie will compete at Briarwood Golf Club in Ankeny.

The top three teams and top two individuals, including ties, advance to the Class 4A state tournament Oct. 6-7 at Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny.

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