Walls has the game to capture state title
Two Broncos tee off today for the first time in the Class 2A state tournament at the Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan, Minn.
A third Bronco tees off looking for redemption.
Glenn Walls fired a 70 during his practice round and a 71 during the first round last year at the same course at state, putting him in a tie for first with 18 holes to play. However, he finished with an 81 on Day 2 and dropped to a disappointing seventh place. With only three of last year’s top 10 finishers back in the field, Walls doesn’t want a poor second day to spoil another impressive season.
“You just got to go out and not think about it,” Walls said. “I’m not even thinking about last year. Two new rounds. Two new opportunities.”
Walls, an All-State selection last season, finished second overall in scoring average this year in Class 2A at 71.6, according to the Minnesota Golf Coaches Association. Only Orono’s Patrick Johnson was better at 70.8, and Johnson finished runner-up at state last season. Walls, Johnson and Minnehaha Academy’s Michael Roedl are the three returnees from last year’s top 10.
New to the tournament are Broncos sophomore Brett Musich and junior Maggie West.
Musich stepped up this season and was consistently the Broncos’ second-best player behind Walls. Although he saved his best for last and finished ahead of Walls at the Section 7AA meet.
“I thought I played the same as last year, but my scores were better,” Musich said. “I tried to play smarter this year and I hit the ball straighter.”
Musich has only walked the Ridges at Sand Creek, but never played it until Tuesday’s practice round. He watched former Bronco Travis Blais’ round in 2008 as an eighth-grader. He’s also taken numerous tips from current teammate Derek Riley, who finished 45th at state last year.
“It’s my first state tournament and obviously I want to win it or I wouldn’t go down there,” Musich said. “You don’t say you’re going to go down there and finish 10th.”
Musich finished sixth in scoring in Class 2A at 74.8.
West admitted she was surprised she qualified for state this year. Her dad brought her down and they played nine holes at the Ridges at Sand Creek two Mondays ago. She was also excited to be playing her practice round with Virginia golfers Emma Kishel and Melissa Hill. Feeling comfortable in the competitive conditions can only help the junior.
“I just want to play my best,” West said.
West tees off this morning on hole No. 10 at 8:15 a.m.
Musich tees off right ahead of Walls at 12:07 p.m. on hole No. 10. Walls tees off at 12:16 p.m.
