Xavier's King state bound

CEDAR FALLS - It's been awhile since Cedar Rapids Xavier has been represented at the boys state golf meet.

 J.P. King made sure the Saints will have an entrant this season.

King fired a 4-over-par 76, tying for fourth in the individual standings at the Class 4A district meet Tuesday at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course. The top four individuals and ties advance, making King the first Xavier boys' golfer to qualify for state since Matt Sargent, who placed 20th, and Henry Lammers made it in 2006.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy won the team title, edging Cedar Falls, 304-305, and the Cougars' Cody Bell was medalist with 73.

The Saints senior waited patiently on the cusp of the cut-off line as the final scores were recorded. A sense of relief came when it was complete.

“It was intense all the way to the end,” said King, noting he's glad he didn't shoot 75, which would have kept other individuals that shot 76 out of state. “It worked out.”

The round turned an ugly turn on the 11th hole. King jumped to 3-over with a double-bogey on that hole. He responded immediately, however, carding three consecutive birdies.

King placed his tee shot on the 200-yard par-3 12th about eight feet from the cup and made his putt. On No. 13, he followed a solid drive with an approach wedge shot that nearly went in, leaving him an easy birdie putt. He produced three accurate shots that left a possible putt on the par-5 14th.

"It was huge," King said. "I could have lost it after making a double (bogey) on No. 11. Instead, I turned it around.

"For sure, that was key."

Previous postseasons ended in disappointment, according to King. The sting is soothed by capping his prep career with a state tournament berth.

 “It's something I've always wanted to do since I was a freshman. I had a couple bad districts … to get a little bit of redemption is awesome.”

The two-round 4A state meet is set for Friday and Saturday at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City.

District 4A Tourn Results - 2011