Buffs golf to state; Dodge qualifies three

Wichita, Kan (westernkansasnews.com)-Before last week, Garden City boys golf coach Walker Frey had never won a tournament. Seven days later he now has that and a state tournament berth. 

The Buffaloes shot a 344-holding off Dodge City by a single stroke to punch the third and final ticket to the 6A state golf tournament next week. 

“It was a rough day for everyone,” freshman Taylor Larsen said. “But it was rough for all the other teams. But we somehow sneaked into the third spot and qualified.”

The Buffaloes definitely benefited from the absence of Dodge City’s number two Jace Larsen, who fought off the stomach flu and played the front nine. But he withdrew after that. 

“He tried what he could,” Demons Coach Jim Mapel. “But in the end he couldn’t go anymore.”

Garden City took advantage, and Larsen fueled the fired with his team-best 81. Connor Schultz fired an 87 while senior Austin Swender tallied an 88. 

“It wasn’t our best effort,” Frey said. “But we’ll make the trip to Topeka next week and hopefully we’ll rebound a little bit.”

As for Dodge City, the Demons fell short of qualifying as a team, but they are sending three to state including Levi Bone. 

“Three out of six golfers go to state, which isn’t bad at all,” he said. “I feel like myself and the other two guys going can do a little bit of damage.”

The other two joining him are Kameron Miller and Saif Kahn. 

Maize finished first with a 327; Hutchinson was second (329).

Next up: 6A state tournament-Tuesday, May 27