The Argyle Boys Golf Team made history once again, earning the first state medal for Argyle Golf.
Earlier this month, the team found themselves once again packed up headed south to our state’s capital for back to back appearances at the State Golf Tournament in Austin.
The Eagles finished in 4th place last year and with all five boys on the team returning they were looking for some redemption.
May 2 was not your typical May day as temperatures were in the low 50’s and wind was a steady 30 mph with gust of 40, not desired conditions for golfing!
Facing the toughest golfing conditions of the year, the Eagles ground out a solid 319 leaving them just 3 strokes shy of the lead after day 1. Senior, Hunter Thompson, led the charge for the Eagles shooting a 78, Sophomore Lance Roden equaled Thompson’s total posting a 78, Nick Louy shot even par on the back nine after a 44 on the front to post an 80. Colton Katzen and Blake Lyle posted 83 and 84. After day one, the Eagles found themselves in familiar territory in second place, same as last year.
Day 2 offered up only slightly better conditions with temperatures starting in the upper 40’s and winds blowing 20-30mph. The Eagles came out fighting hitting perfect tee shots off of hole 1 and after 9 holes had eliminated the 3 stroke deficit and were tied for the lead with the Mustangs of Andrews.
Hunter Thompson (Argyle) and Josh Baltzell (Andrews) both led their teams at the turn at even par and both drained birdie putts on hole 10 to move to -1 for the day. Through 14 holes Argyle and Andrews were once again tied. With all but the last group finished it came down to them on one of the toughest finishing holes at all of the state tournament courses.
After a great looking drive off the tee, Thompson found his drive next to a huge pecan tree that rest in the left side of 18 fairway with almost no shot. Baltzell also had no shot at the green after driving it into the trees on the right and had to pitch out. Thompson advances the ball just behind Baltzell’s and then proceeds to stick a shot to 8ft from about 150yds out. As the pressure was on Baltzell he then hits a shot on the green leaving him with a 15 ft putt. Baltzell now needs to two putt to win. Baltzell putts up to about 2 ft. Thompson makes Baltzell’s 2 footer very important after he drains an 8 foot putt for par to give the Eagles hope. Baltzell makes his 2 foot putt clinch the State Championship for the Mustangs of Andrews, who lost last year’s state tournament by only 1 stroke.
After 36 holes of golf and 632 team strokes the Eagles come up just 1 stroke shy of their first golf state championship.
Senior, Hunter Thompson goes out with a bang shooting his career tournament best, 154, tying him for 4th place. Lance Roden shot 158, Nick Louy shot 159, Blake Lyle shot 162, and Colton Katzen finished with 168.
The Eagles finished the season in 2nd place at the State Tournament, Regional Champions (for the first time ever), District Champions (three years straight) and Runners-up (second team for the 2nd straight year), 1st place at two invitationals, 2nd place at two invitationals, and placed 3rd four times at invitational tournaments.
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