This year’s Match Play is set for Monday through Thurday (June 13-16) at Aurora Hills Golf Course.
Last year’s overall champion, Paige Spiranac, has since become a social media sensation, has appeared on the cover of Golf Digest and earlier this month won an event on the Cactus Tour. In her 35-hole 2015 title match against University of Colorado golfer Brittany Fan, the two players combined to make 22 birdies and were 15 under par.
And Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Lynn Zmistowski notched her fifth individual CWGA championship victory. Zmistowski trailed Kathy Malpass after 16 holes, but won the 17th and 18th for a 1-up win.
While Spiranac has since turned pro, Zmistowski will be back to defend her senior title, and Malpass will return as well. Zmistowski is also a two-time winner of the open division.
In the open division, the entrants include U.S. Women’s Open qualifier and two-time CWGA Player of the Year Jennifer Kupcho; Mackenzie Cohen, the former state high school champion who placed third in the NCAA Division III Finals; and Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Janet Moore. Kupcho claimed the title in 2014.
Among other entrants (open or senior division) are Colorado Golf Hall of Famers Kim Eaton (winner of the open division in 2004 and twice the senior division) and Christie Austin (2007 senior champ), along with former 5A state high school champs Gillian Vance, Calli Ringsby and Michelle Romano.
Championship and senior championship divisions will be the only ones played at scatch, and they will have a qualifying round on Monday (June 13). For Monday’s tee times, CLICK HERE.
]]>The Hale Irwin Elite Player Program is just a little more than three years old, but in that short period, it’s certainly lived up to its name.
The first three classes of Irwin Elite Players featured seven golfers who are now playing or have signed with NCAA Division I golf programs: Hannah Wood (Oklahoma), Jennifer Kupcho (Wake Forest), Spencer Painton (Kansas), Jake Staiano (Colorado State), Ross Macdonald (Colorado), Calli Ringsby (Stanford) and Coby Welch (just signed with Northern Colorado).
And two of those players — Kupcho and Wood — currently stand among the top 75 in the women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings.
With that as a backdrop, the Hale Irwin Elite Player Program announced its fourth — and largest — class on Thursday. Fourteen junior golfers will comprise the 2016 Elite Player class, including seven returnees from 2015. The group features nine boys and five girls, with two sets of siblings among them.
The program, designed to nurture the budding careers of exceptionally promising boys and girls golfers in the state, is named for the most successful golfer with Colorado roots. Irwin, a Boulder High School and University of Colorado graduate, has won three U.S. Opens, 20 PGA Tour events overall, and a record 45 tournaments on the Champions Tour. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992.
In Colorado, Irwin claimed the 1962 CGA Junior Match Play title, the 1963 state high school championship, three straight CGA Stroke Plays (1963, ’64 and ’65) and the CGA Match Play in 1966. He won the NCAA individual title in 1967 while competing for CU.
The players chosen for the Irwin Elite Player Program receive free unlimited use of the practice range and Kids Course at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora — and of the championship course on a space-available basis — in 2016. CommonGround, which opened in 2009, is owned and operated by the CGA, which established and administers the Irwin Elite Player Program. The group will meet once a month beginning in January, and will work periodically at CommonGround with Elena King, who recently was named one of the top 10 instructors in Colorado by Golf Digest. Additionally, participants volunteer with CGA Community and Wellness Programs.
Steve Irwin, Hale’s son, serves on the CGA board of governors and was instrumental in the establishment of the Elite Player Program. The visionary behind the program was another CGA governor, former Cherry Hills Country Club head professional Clayton Cole.
The 2016 Irwin Elite Players include two juniors who will be in their fourth year with the program, dating back to its inception: Christian Agelopoulos and Roger Nakagawa, both of Denver. Another program participant, Ryan Sangchompuphen of Denver, will be starting his third year.
Also among those in the 2016 class are some of the best junior players in the state.
Mary Weinstein (pictured above) of Highlands Ranch, who just signed to play college golf with Regis University, won the 2015 CWGA Junior Stroke Play and the CJGA Junior Series Championship, and finished runner-up in the CWGA Stroke Play and the CJGA Tournament of Champions. On a larger stage, she placed 15th in the prestigious IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships, marking the best finish ever by a Coloradan in the girls 15-17 age group there. Weinstein also represented Colorado at the USGA Women’s State Team Championship and at the Girls Junior Americas Cup.
Oliver Jack (left) of Cherry Hills Village finished second in the 3A state high school tournament (playing for Kent Denver). He placed fifth in the CGA Junior Stroke Play and went to the quarterfinals of the CGA Junior Match Play.
Here’s a rundown of all 14 junior players who have been selected to partcipate in the Hale Irwin Elite Player Program for 2016:
Christian Agelopoulos of Denver, an eighth-grader at Colorado Academy — 2016 will mark his fourth year in the program. … Posted two CJGA victories in 2015. … Competed in the CJGA Ryder Cup Matches. … Was named a CJGA All-Star and Academic All-Star in 2015.
Traejan Andrews of Windsor, a sixth-grader at Winograd K-8 — 2016 will mark his second year in the program. … Finished 35th in Optimist International Junior Golf Championships’ boys 10-11 division. … Went undefeated at the CJGA Ryder Cup Matches. … Posted six top-10 finishes in CJGA points events in 2015.
Chunya Bead Boonta of Centennial, a fifth-grader at Canyon Creek Elementary — 2016 will be her first year in the program. … Won two CJGA events and finished second in the CJGA girls 10-and-under Junior Series Championship. … Was named a CJGA All-Star in 2015.
Supawich Beam Boonta of Centennial, an eighth-grader at ThunderRidge Middle School — 2016 will be his first year in the program. … Posted seven top-10 finishes in CJGA points events in 2015. … Competed in the CJGA Ryder Cup Matches.
Jack Castiglia of Lakewood, a sophomore at Lakewood High School — 2016 will mark his second year in the program. … Finished 38th in the boys 13-14 division of the IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships. … Placed 28th in the 5A state high school tournament. … Posted eight top-10 finishes in CJGA points events in 2015.
Kacey Godwin of Denver, a senior at Colorado Academy — 2016 will mark her second year in the program. … Placed third in the girls division of Colorado PGA Junior Championship. … Finished eighth in 4A girls state high school tournament. … Posted seven top-10 finishes in CJGA points events in 2015.
Oliver Jack of Cherry Hills Village, a sophomore at Kent Denver — 2016 will be his first year in the program. … Tied for second place at the 3A state high school tournament. … Placed fifth in CGA Junior Stroke Play and went to quarterfinals in CGA Junior Match Play. … Recorded seven top-10 finishes in CJGA points events in 2015.
Cade Kilkenny of Centennial, a freshman at Cherry Creek High School — 2016 will mark his second year in the program. … Made it to round of 64 at CGA Junior Match Play. … Qualified for Optimist International Junior Golf Championships. … Posted four top-10 finishes in CJGA points events in 2015.
Katelyn Lehigh of Loveland, a sixth-grader at Bill Reed Middle School — 2016 will be her first year in the program. … Finished 27th in IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships (girls 10-12 age division). … Won one CJGA tournament and recorded a dozen top-10 finishes in CJGA events in 2015. … Was named a CJGA Academic All-Star in 2015.
Lauren Lehigh of Loveland, a freshman at Loveland High School — 2016 will be her first year in the program. … Qualified, with Alli Bundy, for the 2016 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship. … Qualified for both the IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships (finishing 66th in girls 13-14 division) and the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships (placing 38th). … Recorded a remarkable 17 top-10 finishes in CJGA points events in 2015. … Was named a CJGA Academic All-Star in 2015.
Roger Nakagawa of Denver, a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School — 2016 will mark his fourth year in the program. … Made it to the round of 64 at the CGA Junior Match Play. … Recorded one top-10 finish at a CJGA points event in 2015. … Was named a CJGA Academic All-Star in 2015.
Kailer Rundiks of Denver, a sophomore at (Denver) East High School — 2016 will be his first year in the program. … Won Western Chapter Daily Sentinel Junior Championship. … Posted six top-10 finishes in CJGA points events in 2015. … Was named a CJGA Academic All-Star in 2015.
Ryan Sangchompuphen of Denver, a seventh-grader at Denver School of the Arts — 2016 will mark his third year in the program. … Won two CJGA events and posted 14 top-10 finishes in points tournaments in 2015. … Went undefeated in CJGA Ryder Cup Matches. … Was named a CJGA All-Star and Academic All-Star in 2015.
Mary Weinstein of Highlands Ranch, a senior at Regis Jesuit High School — 2016 will mark her first year in the program. … Has signed to play college golf at Regis University. … Won the CWGA Junior Stroke Play and the CJGA Junior Series Championship in 2015. … Also was runner-up in CWGA Stroke Play and the CJGA Tournament of Champions. … Went to quarterfinals of CWGA Match Play. … Placed 15th in the prestigious IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships, marking the best finish ever by a Coloradan in the girls 15-17 age group there. … Represented Colorado at the USGA Women’s State Team Championship and at the Girls Junior Americas Cup. … Won four CJGA tournaments in 2015. … Was named a CJGA All-Star and Academic All-Star in 2015.
Playing Division I college golf is a very competitive undertaking. Being successful as a freshman is particularly challenging.
But the transition from high school and junior golf to big-time college golf seems to have come relatively easy for the Colorado high school graduating class of 2014.
Eight true freshmen from Colorado have competed in all — or almost all — of his of her school’s college tournaments so far this season. And another few play semi-regularly.
Several are taking it yet another step, making a big-time impact by having been in contention for individual titles at large Division I college tournaments.
And just in the last week and a half, things have really come to a head as Arapahoe High School graduate and University of Oklahoma freshman Hannah Wood (above) won the Notre Dame Clover Cup, and Regis Jesuit grad and University of Denver frosh Chris Korte placed sixth in the 85-man Desert Shootout.
Wood, the reigning CWGA Stroke Play champion, leads Oklahoma in season stroke average (72.8) and has recorded four top-20 finishes in six college tournaments. And in the wake of her Clover Cup victory, the former Hale Irwin Elite Player was named the national female golfer of the week by Golfweek magazine.
As for Korte (left), while he hasn’t won a college tournament yet, he’s posted a remarkable three top-six finishes in his last five events (two fourths and a sixth). And, following his performance in the Desert Shootout, he was named the Summit League men’s golfer of the week.
Korte and DU freshman teammate Jake Kelley are in some ways picking up where they left off in high school at Regis. In their senior year, RJHS won the 5A boys state high school title for the fourth consecutive year. Kelley has likewise made the transition to college look relatively easy as he’s recorded two 11th-place finishes for DU, and three top-20s in all.
Here’s a quick look at some of the other true freshmen from Colorado high schools who have made an impact so far in their first season of college golf:
Sarah Hankins, Wyoming (Legacy HS graduate) — Hankins has seen periodic tournament action, with her best showing being a 36th-place finish.
Sam Marley, Northern Colorado (Arapahoe HS graduate) — Plays regularly at UNC and has notched two top-50 finishes.
Todd Millard, Air Force Academy (Silver Creek HS graduate) — Has seen limited tournament action, with his best finish being a 39th at the Mark Simpson Colorado Invitational.
Spencer Painton, Kansas (Regis Jesuit HS graduate) — The 2013 5A state high school individual champion hasn’t seen a lot of college tournament action, but he has two 25th-place finishes to his credit.
Calli Ringsby, Stanford (Cherry Creek HS graduate) — Ringsby has appeared in a few tournaments for Stanford so far this season, with a 50th-place showing her best individual performance.
Tristan Rohrbaugh, Boise State (Basalt HS graduate) — Has notched two top-35 finishes, both during the spring schedule, including a 15th at the Pat Hicks Invitational.
Josh Seiple, Mississippi (Valor Christian HS graduate) — Seiple has been a regular on Ole Miss’ traveling squad and has posted two top-40 individual finishes.
Jaylee Tait, Montana State (Columbine HS graduate) — Tait, who qualified for the 2014 U.S. Women’s Amateur, has finished in the top 30 twice this season, including a 15th-place showing.
Glenn Workman, Wyoming (Pueblo West HS graduate) — Workman has been a workhorse for Wyoming as a freshman and has recorded two top-20 finishes.
When it comes to girls state golf championships so far in 2014, Jennifer Kupcho of Westminster has put together a tour de force.
Less than a month after winning the 4A state high school title by a whopping 14 shots, Kupcho recorded another rout on Wednesday with a nine-stroke victory in the CWGA Junior Stroke Play at Buffalo Run Golf Course in Commerce City.
And while it can be argued that the field for the 4A state meet wasn’t particularly strong, the CWGA Junior Stroke Play featured two opponents who have signed with formidable NCAA Division I programs — Hannah Wood of Centennial (Oklahoma) and Calli Ringsby of Cherry Hills Village (Stanford).
“It was exciting,” said Kupcho, a senior-to-be at Jefferson Academy who has verbally committed to play college golf at Wake Forest. “It was a tough battle. It was a lot of fun to play against them.
“But the wind was pretty hard today and I play good in the wind. I figured I would be able to pull through. I kept battling and kept making pars, and I figured they’d eventually fall down, and they did.”
The victory marked the first CWGA championship for the 17-year-old Kupcho (pictured above and below), the 2013 CWGA Junior Player of the Year. Both Kupcho and Wood are part of the Hale Irwin Elite Player Program at CommonGround Golf Course.
Kupcho shot a 3-under-par 69 in Wednesday’s final round despite the windy conditions to finish at 7-under 209 for three days. Wood and Ringsby, both playing in one of their final junior tournaments if not the last one, placed second and third, respectively. Wood closed with a 77 for a 218 total, while Ringsby struggled down the stretch and posted an 81 and 221 overall.
Kupcho’s nine-shot victory margin was one of the largest in CWGA Junior Stroke Play history. The only one larger in the last decade was Paige Spiranac’s 10-shot win in 2010. Before 2005, records for the tournament are spotty.
It was hard to foresee Wednesday’s outcome given that Kupcho and Ringsby shared the lead going the final round, with Wood just one behind. After four holes Wednesday, Kupcho and Wood were tied for the top spot. And through 12, it was still relatively close, with Kupcho holding a three-stroke advantage.
“To beat Jennifer today, I would have needed to make a lot of birdies. It just didn’t happen,” said Ringsby, the 2012 champion who was trying to become the first player in more than 20 years to win the CWGA Junior Stroke Play at least twice.
Kupcho, who played in four USGA championships last year, gave herself a big lead on the par-3 13th. There, she drained a 25-foot birdie putt, while both Wood and Ringsby carded bogeys. That left Kupcho five ahead.
“Once I made that birdie putt, I was playing safe and made pars,” she said. “You don’t want to make a big mistake by going in the weeds. Put it in the fairway, on the green and two-putt for par.”
From there, Kupcho didn’t make any mistakes. Meanwhile, Wood was 4 over par on the last six holes, and Ringsby was 6 over for that same stretch.
“I thought I had a chance at the beginning (of the day),” said Wood, medalist in the recent U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links qualifying. “I was not really confident in my putting at all — all week. I just kept lipping out and lipping out. It was like that for three days straight. The ball was not dropping.” (Woods is pictured at left trying to coax in a putt.)
Said Ringsby: “I kind of lost my swing a little bit and couldn’t get the ball in the fairway. The rough is pretty tough. They’ve got a lot of hay, so if you’re not in the fairway you can’t really make a lot of birdies.”
Considering the stiff wind that kicked up periodically, Kupcho’s round of 69 was impressive. She made three birdies on the day, and her only bogey came at No. 4. No one else in the field broke 73 in the final round.
“I was hitting a lot of good shots,” Kupcho said. “I definitely could have made more putts, but it was a really good round compared to 68 and 72 (the first two days). For the 68, it was calm, short. This was definitely my best round.
“This is a three-day tournament and it’s hard to win it. It’s definitely an accomplishment to get it done.”
The winners in other flights on Wednesday were Kylee Sullivan (first flight), Sydney Gillespie and Courtney Ewing (second), Kacey Godwin (third), and Claire Stirdivant (fourth).
As for Ringsby (left) and Wood, Wednesday might have marked the end for their outstanding junior careers.
Wood won the CJGA Tournament of Champions each of the last two years, claimed the prestigious Kathy Whitworth Invitational junior title in Texas in 2013, competed in three USGA championships last year and just qualified for the 2014 U.S. Women’s Publinks.
“I’m a little sad about (realizing this was probably her junior finale),” Wood said. “I’ll come back for the CWGA tournaments, but I’ve got some bigger and better things ahead of me. That’s the bright side.”
Ringsby swept the CWGA junior championships in 2012 by winning the Junior Stroke Play and Junior Match Play. She also claimed the 5A state high school title last year. Ringsby represented the U.S. in the USA-China Youth Golf Match in 2012.
“It was fun (playing in junior events), but I’m definitely excited to move on to bigger and better tournaments and a college career — and hopefully professional too,” Ringsby said.
For scores from the CWGA Junior Stroke Play, CLICK HERE.
]]>Stanford-bound Calli Ringsby of Cherry Creek will defend her 5A state high school title on Monday and Tuesday at Raccoon Creek Golf Course in Littleton. Among other seniors likewise expecting to be in the hunt there are Hannah Wood of Arapahoe (University of Oklahoma), Sarah Hankins of Legacy (Wyoming), Jenni Chun of Highlands Ranch (Cal State Bakersfield) and Jaylee Tait of Columbine (Montana State).
All told, nine of the top 10 5A finishers from a year ago are back for another run at the state title. Four of the top five performers from the 5A state tournament a year ago are now seniors.
And at the 4A state meet Monday and Tuesday at the Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs, junior Jennifer Kupcho of Jefferson Academy should be considered the favorite. Though Kupcho hasn’t formally signed with a college program — that isn’t allowed until the senior year — she has committed to play college golf at Wake Forest.
All in all, a lot of firepower will be on display.
Ringsby (pictured above) has finished second, fourth and first in her previous three state high school appearances. In 2012, she swept both the CWGA Junior Stroke Play and Junior Match Play titles, and was selected to play in the USA-China Youth Golf Match.
Wood, the winner of the last two CJGA Tournament of Champions titles, has gone 10th, third and third the last three years at the state high school tournament. She’s been a member of the Hale Irwin Elite Player Program at CommonGround Golf Course the last two years. In 2013, she competed in three USGA championships and won the prestigious Kathy Whitworth Invitational junior tournament in Texas.
Kupcho has finished third and second in her other state appearances (Kala Keltz, now at Northern Colorado, won the 2013 4A title). Kupcho competed in four USGA championships in 2013 and was named the CWGA Junior Player of the Year. Last year, she went to the U.S. Women’s Amateur, U.S. Girls’ Junior, U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links and the USGA Women’s State Team. She was also named to the Hale Irwin Elite Player Program at CommonGround.
Earlier this week, Kupcho placed an impressive sixth in U.S. Women’s Open Sectional Qualifying in Colorado.
Perhaps not coincidentally, Ringsby, Wood, Kupcho and Sydney Merchant made up the team that represented the CWGA in the Girls Junior America’s Cup last year.
Merchant, a sophomore at Dakota Ridge, won the CWGA Junior Match Play in 2013 and qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur. She’s been stellar this high school season, claiming two of her tournament victories with rounds of 68 and 63. She tied for third in the 2013 5A state tournament as a freshman and should certainly be in the mix again this year.
Team-wise next week, Cherry Creek will be seeking its fourth consecutive 5A state title, while Cheyenne Mountain will be defending in 4A. Cheyenne Mountain is led by Kylee Sullivan, who finished sixth individually last year and who will be playing at her home course (the Country Club of Colorado) for the state meet. Sullivan won the CJGA Junior Series Championship last year at that same course.
Here are the 2014 champions, both team and individual, for the regional state-qualifying tournaments that were held earlier this month:
5A Central Regional at Broken Tee — Team Winner: Regis Jesuit 228. Individual Winner: Sydney Gillespie, Regis Jesuit, 71.
5A Western Regional at Fox Hollow — Team Winner: Fossil Ridge 247. Individual Winner: Ali Pepper, Arvada West, 78.
5A Southern Regional at Colorado Springs Country Club — Team Winner: Arapahoe 246. Individual Winner: Hannah Wood, Arapahoe, 71.
5A Northern Regional at Highland Meadows — Team Winner: Rock Canyon 227. Individual Winner: Michelle Romano, Rock Canyon, 71.
4A Colorado Springs Regional at Eisenhower Silver — Team Winner: Cheyenne Mountain. Individual Winner: Kylee Sullivan, Cheyenne Mountain, 77.
4A Western Regional at Adobe Creek — Team Winner: Montrose 246. Individual Winner: Kiselya Plewe, Dolores, 72.
4A Southern Regional at Hollydot — Team Winner: Pueblo East 256. Individual Winner: Gia Zupancic, Pueblo East, 75.
4A Northern Regional at Olde Course in Loveland — Team Winner: Broomfield 259. Individual Winner: Haley Patterson, Yuma, 78.
4A Metro West Regional at Indian Tree — Team Winner: Colorado Academy 241. Individual Winner: Jennifer Kupcho, Jefferson Academy, 74.
]]>Apparently, Glenn herself is nowhere near satisfied with that.
The Valor Christian senior and University of Colorado women’s golf recruit not only advanced to state and is on the leaderboard, but she’s the outright leader after Monday’s first round of the meet at Broken Tee Golf Course.
Glenn shot a 2-over-par 74 in the rain and wind on Monday and grabbed a one-stroke advantage heading into Tuesday’s final round. She hit 17 greens in regulation and closed with a 1-under-par 35 on the back nine.
A former high-level gymnast, Glenn is one shot ahead of Taylor Dorans of Broomfield (pictured) and Jennifer Kupcho of Jefferson Academy heading into the final 18.
Glenn started playing golf as a sophomore, but just a year later she placed ninth at state. And now this year’s tournament is the future CU golfer’s to lose.
“You just keep on cutting strokes back and improving,” she said of her rapid progress in golf. “That’s all you can ask for in this game.”
It wasn’t long ago that Glenn had her sights set on a gymnastics scholarship at the University of Denver. But that was before she broke her right leg during her sophomore year at Valor Christian.
Just a few months after suffering the injury, she competed in golf at the junior varisty level — while wearing a cast on her leg.
“I was on one leg, hobbling around and hitting away,” she said. “When you love something it doesn’t matter what obstacle is in front of you. You’ll go for success no matter what.”
Glenn said she won “about” five high school tournaments this season and averaged 75. But after her 74 Monday, she thinks she’s capable of going even lower in Tuesday’s final round.
“I’m hoping I can go under tomorrow,” Glenn said. “I had three three-putts today; my distance control was off a lot. Tomorrow will be better. I’m excited.”
Likewise for the other contenders.
Dorans, a University of Wyoming golf signee, has finished fourth once and sixth twice in her previous trips to state. Kupcho, who placed third last year at state, had the lowest state-qualifying round this season — in either Class 4A or 5A — in firing a 67 at Fox Hollow in the 4A Metro-West Regional.
Dorans missed two putts inside of 4 feet in her first 10 holes, but finished strong, going 1 under in her last seven despite closing with a bogey.
“I feel really good,” she said. “I’m coming out here just playing for myself — having fun, enjoying it, because it’s my last high school tournament. I’m kind of just embracing it and doing what I can. I can’t control what the other girls are going to do, but as long as I play for myself, I’ll be happy.”
Meanwhile, Kupcho thinks if she gets her putting homed in, she’ll be in good shape on the final day.
“I hit everything good (on Monday), but I just couldn’t putt,” she said. “The first four holes I had 5-footers on every one and only made one.”
Cheyenne Mountain leads the 4A team competition by five strokes after Valor Christian’s Laura Cohan forgot a penalty stroke and signed for an incorrect score. Therefore, the team couldn’t use her total of 86 among its three best individual scores. Instead, it counted a 95. That dropped Valor from first to second place as it has a 253 total, compared to Cheyenne Mountain’s 248.
Cohan will be able to compete in Tuesday’s final round and her score can be used for VC’s second-day team total.
For 4A scores, CLICK HERE.
Cherry Creek’s Ringsby Leads 5A By Two in Grand Junction: Cherry Creek junior Calli Ringsby took a two-stroke lead at the halfway point of the 5A girls state tournament at Tiara Rado Golf Course in Grand Junction.
Ringsby, who swept the CWGA Junior Stroke Play and Junior Match Play championships last year, fired a 1-over-par 73 on Monday. The junior, who made three birdies and four bogeys in the opening round, is seeking her first state high school title after placing second in 2011 and fourth last year.
Three players share second place at 75 heading into Tuesday’s final round. University of Colorado signee Claudia Davis of Arapahoe is tied for that spot with Jenni Chun of Highlands Ranch and Michelle Romero of Rock Canyon.
Defending champion Mackenzie Cohen of Cherry Creek opened with an 82 and shares 20th place.
Two-time defending 5A state champion Cherry Creek shot a 236 and leads the team competition by three over Arapahoe.
For 5A scores, CLICK HERE.
]]>The Bruins have also captured seven individual state championships over that period, including the first (by Jill McGill, who went on to win two USGA championships) and the last (Mackenzie Cohen).
Arapahoe, meanwhile, has claimed one state team title in girls golf (2010) and has never won the individual crown.
Considering how the Bruins and Warriors have dominated girls golf in the state recently, one or both schools figure to add to their trophy cases this year.
Cherry Creek and Arapahoe have monopolized the top two spots in the girls 5A state golf championships each of the last three years, with Creek winning the last two titles. And no one would be surprised if this year produced more of the same when the 5A meet is held Monday and Tuesday (May 20-21) at Tiara Rado Golf Course in Grand Junction.
Meanwhile, the 4A state tournament will be played those same days at Broken Tee Golf Course in Englewood.
Appropriately, the teams were separated by just one stroke at their state qualifying tournament, the Metro-East Regional at South Suburban Golf Course last week. And arguably the two favorites to win the 5A individual title, juniors Calli Ringsby of Cherry Creek and Hannah Wood of Arapahoe, placed 1-2 at that regional, with scores of 72 and 73, respectively. (Ringsby is pictured swinging above, while Wood is at left.)
Both golfers are in the Hale Irwin Elite Player Program at CommonGround Golf Course, which is owned and operated by the CGA and CWGA.
Ringsby won both the CWGA Junior Stroke and Junior Match Play Championships last year, and she was one of four girls who represented the U.S. in the USA-China Youth Golf Match last August. She’s finished second and fourth in her previous two 5A state tournaments.
Wood made an impression on the national stage in March when she won the prestigious Kathy Whitworth Invitational in Texas. In Colorado, she captured the CJGA Tournament of Champions last fall. At the 5A state meet, she’s placed 10th as a freshman and third last year.
Also a good bet to be in contention this year is University of Colorado signee Claudia Davis of Arapahoe, who’s had three top-11 finishes at state. Meanwhile, Cherry Creek’s Cohen, who pulled off a big surprise in winning the 5A individual championship last year, will defend her title.
At the 4A state meet at Broken Tee, Jennifer Kupcho of Jefferson Academy and Taylor Dorans of Broomfield figure to be the favorites for the individual title.
Kupcho, the 2012 CWGA Junior Player of the Year, won the CJGA 14-18 Junior Series Championship as a 15-year-old last year. She shot the lowest score at any regional — 4A or 5A — when she carded a 5-under-par 67 at Fox Hollow in the 4A Metro-West.
Dorans, who has signed to play college golf at the University of Wyoming, won the 4A Northern Regional title for the third time. She’s finished in the top six in each of her previous three trips to state.
Regis Jesuit, the 4A team champion a year ago, is now competing on the 5A level.
Here is a rundown of all the 2013 regional champions, and of the known college golf signees in the 5A and 4A fields.
2013 Regional Individual Champions — Calli Ringsby, Cherry Creek, 5A Metro-East Regional, 72; Jaylee Tait, Columbine, 5A Metro-West Regional, 74; Jennie Chun, Highlands Ranch, 5A Northern Regional, 74; Mary Kate Nelson, Pine Creek, 5A Colorado Springs Regional, 82; Jennifer Kupcho, Jefferson Academy, 4A Metro-West Regional, 67; Taylor Dorans, Broomfield, 4A Northern Regional, 76; Taylor Walters, Rifle, 4A Western Regional, 74; Gia Zupancic, Pueblo East, 4A Southern Regional, 80; Megan McCutcheon, Lewis Palmer, 4A Colorado Springs Regional, 84.
2013 Regional Team Champions — Arapahoe (5A Metro-East Regional); Dakota Ridge (5A Metro-West Regional); Fairview (5A Northern Regional); Central of Grand Junction (5A Colorado Springs Regional); Valor Christian (4A Metro-West Regional); Estes Park (4A Northern Regional); Pueblo West (4A Southern Regional); Montrose (4A Western Regional); Cheyenne Mountain (4A Colorado Springs Regional).
College Golf Signees in State Tournament Fields — Laura Cohan, Valor Christian (4A), Colorado Christian; Claudia Davis, Arapahoe (5A), University of Colorado; Taylor Dorans, Broomfield (4A), Wyoming; Maggie Geolat, Palmer Ridge (4A), CSU-Pueblo; Tori Glenn, Valor Christian (4A), CU; Megan McCambridge, Fairview (5A), Butler; Kelly Moran, Fairview (5A), William & Mary; Jordan Sunset, Fairview (5A), Northern Colorado; Rachel Sweeney, Mountain Vista (5A), Lewis, Ill.
With the year drawing to a close, it’s time to play one final 18. In this case, we’ll run down the top 18 Colorado golf stories of 2012, then throw in some honorable-mention selections at the end.
And just for the sake of a little suspense, we’ll start with the 18th-biggest story.
18. Woodard Inducted into National Black Golf Hall of Fame, Voted into Colorado Golf Hall of Fame: 2012 was a big year for longtime Coloradan Tom Woodard, now the director of golf for the Foothills Park & Recreation District. In March, he was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame, then in October he was voted into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, along with fellow Colorado PGA professional Alan Abrams and Jimmy Vickers. COLORADO GOLF HALL OF FAME FULL STORY, NATIONAL BLACK GOLF HALL OF FAME FULL STORY
17. Tourney Routs by Eaton, Humerickhouse: There were a couple of lopsided state tournament victories that went beyond the norm. Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Kim Eaton prevailed by 16 shots in the CWGA Senior Stroke Play at the course on which she grew up, Greeley Country Club. STORY And in winning his third straight CGA Mid-Amateur, Keith Humerickhouse was a dozen shots ahead of the runner-up, marking the biggest margin in the event since 1991. STORY Then Humerickhouse put an exclamation mark on the year by proposing to his girlfriend in the midst of his acceptance speech for the CGA Mid-Amateur Player of the Year award.
16. A Lucky Seven Straight for Kent Denver: Kent Denver, coached by Bob Austin, set a Colorado record by winning its seventh consecutive state high school boys team championship, this time in Class 3A. STORY
15. Bertsch, Jacques, Huffer ‘Open’ the Door: Three Coloradans qualified for the top USGA championship for their respective gender. Shane Bertsch of Parker earned a U.S. Open berth for the first time since 1998. STORY And Becca Huffer and Kelly Jacques made it through qualifying at the Broadmoor to punch their tickets to their first U.S. Women’s Open. STORY Then in December, Jacques joined former University of Denver golfer Stephanie Sherlock in earning LPGA Tour status in 2013. STORY
14. Jones Joining Nicholson in Colorado Sports Hall of Fame: Former USGA president Will Nicholson Jr., was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in April. STORY And after being voted in in October, 1996 U.S. Open champion Steve Jones, a former University of Colorado golfer, will follow suit in the spring of 2013. STORY
13. Ringsby Hits the National Stage: Calli Ringsby of Cherry Hills Village had a memorable 2012 tournament season. She swept both the CWGA Junior Stroke Play STORY and Junior Match Play titles. Then she was one of just four American girls selected to compete in the USA-China Youth Golf Match. STORY
12. Lee Adds Still More Variety to Her Accomplishments: With a nine-shot victory in the CWGA Stroke Play, Somin Lee became just the second player in history to win the CWGA Junior Stroke Play, Junior Match Play, Stroke Play and Match Play. Lee joined Wendy Werley as the only golfers to capture all four of those titles during their careers. STORY
11. Colorado PGA Keeps its Streak Going: For the sixth and seventh time in six years, the Colorado PGA earned national awards from the PGA of America. Dale Smigelsky, the director of golf at Collindale Golf Club in Fort Collins, was named PGA Merchandiser of the Year for Public Facilities, while George Kahrhoff, head professional at The Country Club at Castle Pines in Castle Rock, earned the Merchandiser award for private facilities. STORY The Colorado PGA also was among the national leaders in the “Get Golf Ready” initiative in which PGA and LPGA professionals teach people everything they’ll need to know to play golf with confidence — in five lessons, usually for $99 total. The idea is to bring new and former golfers into the game as seamlessly as possible in a no-pressure environment.
10. Tolan Doubles Up in Colorado Open: Coloradan Derek Tolan won his second HealthOne Colorado Open in the last four years, this time rallying after trailing by four strokes with six holes to play. STORY
9. Bermel Departs CSU After 13 Years: After 13 successful years at the helm of the Colorado State University men’s team, Jamie Bermel resigned to take the same job at the University of Kansas. Bermel’s teams went to the NCAA regional tournament in 12 of his 13 years, and in 2011 the Rams earned a berth in the NCAA Finals for just the second time in program history. Overall, the Rams won 18 multi-team tournaments in Bermel’s tenure, including two conference titles. Former national assistant coach of the year Christian Newton succeeded Bermel at CSU. STORY
8. Near Miss in College Finale for Knous: Colorado School of Mines golfer Jim Knous finished up his college career with a flourish. After leading most of the final round of the NCAA Division II national finals, Knous finished second, losing in a playoff. STORY
7. Mallon, Neumann Will Lead the Way at Colorado Golf Club: The leadership of the competing teams for the 2013 Solheim Cup matches that will be played at Colorado Golf Club in Parker was set early this year. Meg Mallon, winner of 18 LPGA Tour events in her career, will captain the U.S. squad, while 1988 U.S. Women’s Open champion Liselotte Neumann will be her European counterpart. STORY
6. CU Women Score NCAA Breakthrough in Colorado: An NCAA women’s regional golf tournament was held in Colorado for the first time, and the University of Colorado took advantage of its host role at Colorado National by advancing to the NCAA Finals for the first time in program history. STORY
5. Kupcho Rallies from 9 Down in Final Round to Win CGA Stroke Play: After starting the final round nine strokes out of the lead and in 16th place, Steven Kupcho posted one of the biggest final-round rallies ever by a winner of the CGA Stroke Play. His final-round 66 at Fort Collins Country Club gave him the title as a 19-year-old. STORY
4. Solich Caddie & Leadership Academy Debuts: The CGA and CWGA launched a unique initiative to promote the use of caddies and foster candidates for the Evans Caddie Scholarship at the University of Colorado. The Solich Caddie & Leadership Academy at CommonGround Golf Course — which is owned and operated by the CGA and CWGA — provides a powerful incentive to use caddies by paying all of their base fees. The program’s mission is to use caddying and the game of golf to help kids learn how to succeed in life. STORY
3. Stacy Gains Spots in World Golf Hall of Fame: Part-time Colorado resident Hollis Stacy earned one of golf’s biggest honors by being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Stacy, who lives in Lakewood during the summer, won 18 times on the LPGA Tour, but particularly excelled in USGA events. She won three U.S. Women’s Opens and three U.S. Girls’ Juniors. STORY
2. Austin Departing Powerful USGA Executive Committee: Not many women preceded Coloradan Christie Austin as a member of the USGA Executive Committee, one of golf’s most powerful governing bodies. But after six years in that role, Austin will be stepping down in February. STORY
1. U.S. Amateur a Hit in Colorado: The U.S. Amateur was held in Colorado for just the fourth time, with Cherry Hills hosting and CommonGround being the second stroke-play course. The week started with Jack Nicklaus, winner of 18 major championships and two U.S. Amateurs, playing the role of spectator as son Gary competed. It continued with two players with strong Colorado ties — Michael Schoolcraft and Justin Spray — qualifying for match play. And it ended with largely unheralded and 63rd-seeded Tennesseean Steven Fox winning a final in 37 holes after being 2 down with two holes left. Fox (pictured above with his dad Alan) was the the highest-seeded player to win the U.S. Amateur since the USGA began the seeding process in 1985. About 4,500 fans attended the final day, one of the largest totals in recent U.S. Amateurs. STORY
Honorable Mention: Former University of Colorado athlete Hale Irwin followed the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson in receiving the Nicholson Award given for a lifetime of commitment and dedication to the game of golf. Later in the year, the Hale Irwin Elite Player Program was launched, with the initiative designed to nurture the budding careers of exceptional young golfers in the state. … After Ray Makloski won the CGA Senior Match Play in May, son Jimmy claimed a CGA title of his own (the Junior Stroke Play) in June. Later in the year, University of Denver golfer Andy Yang qualified for the U.S. Amateur shortly after sister Jennifer advanced to the U.S. Women’s Amateur. … Former college hockey standout David Delich won the CGA Senior Stroke Play the week after placing second in the HealthOne Colorado Senior Open, which marked the best finish by an amateur in that event since 1999. … Despite dozens and dozens of entrants both years, Lone Tree Golf Club repeated as champion in the season-long CGA Team InterClub Championship. … Nicole Zhang made it to the semifinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur after qualifying for the event in Colorado. … At age 14, Jordan Sahm of Centennial qualified for U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship. … Cherry Creek’s Mackenzie Cohen, who shot 93 in the first round of the 5A state tourney in 2011, posted a score 26 strokes better in the final round of this year’s meet en route to an improbable victory. … Six-time CGA Player of the Year Rick DeWitt, who had never before competed in an event on the PGA, Champions or Web.com Tours, qualified for the U.S. Senior Open.