Boys’ golf teams happily wait longer for state-qualifying assignments

Linn-Mar’s Caden Postma tracks his drive on the ninth gap in the course of the Rotary Pribyl golf match on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Elmcrest Nation Membership in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Iowa highschool golfers and coaches are anxiously awaiting their postseason assignments.

They’ve needed to be a little bit extra affected person this season.

The Iowa Excessive College Athletic Affiliation is anticipated to launch state qualifier assignments quickly. Groups are ready longer than previous years because the state considers extra outcomes earlier than separating the highest packages.

“It’s good however there’s some anticipation there,” Linn-Mar Coach Chris James mentioned. “It places a premium in your group posting some strong scores early within the season. Set your self up for some good attracts.”

James mentioned coaches had beforehand complained about how rapidly postseason paths have been set. They all the time puzzled why it was finished that means as an alternative of after groups had an even bigger physique of labor. Now, the Lions can have no less than three 18-hole rounds and two nine-hole meets within the books earlier than districts are established.

“Beforehand, they mentioned they might take a look at who was coming again (from final 12 months), who has been good up to now and stuff like that,” James mentioned. “You’d prefer to have some rounds and a few information to take a look at versus these types of issues.”

West Des Moines Dowling, Western Dubuque (Thunder Hills Nation Membership in Peosta), North Scott and Nice Valley and Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln will host districts, starting Oct. 3.

James recalled 4 to 5 prime groups on the similar location, battling for 3 state berths in previous years. Steadiness was onerous to attain and groups received’t ever be completely cut up. It might stop overloading districts and getting the very best groups into the state area.

“Precisely what I’d prefer to see,” Cedar Rapids Prairie Coach Erik Columbus mentioned. “I’d hate for a very good program, or a top-10 group, not make it. I hope they keep away from that situation. I would like everybody to have an equally honest shot at making it.”

Gazette-area groups are excited for the chance to compete at state in their very own yard. The Class 4A state match can be held Oct. 7-8 at Elmcrest Nation Membership in Cedar Rapids.

“The blokes assume the potential to play at Elmcrest could be particular,” mentioned Columbus, who has led the Hawks to state in 2017, 2021 and 2022. “It has good recollections for us.”

James mentioned the main focus is on the speedy competitions and practices that fill the common season, however admitted it’s onerous not to think about the chances of enjoying at a course a few of his gamers frequent.

“It’s positively one thing the fellows have talked about,” James mentioned. “Taking part in at Elmcrest, they’re aware of it.

“I do assume the fellows have a little bit additional incentive to play a course they take pleasure in.”

CRANDIC coming to Ellis

The annual CRANDIC boys’ golf meet can be held Tuesday at Ellis Golf Course. This marks the primary time the course will host the nine-team occasion since a derecho devastated it in 2020. The sphere consists of every Class 4A program within the Cedar Rapids/Marion Metro and Iowa Metropolis.

Final season, Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Reid Corridor and Cedar Rapids Xavier’s Charlie Allen shared medalist honors, taking pictures 3-under par 68 at Brown Deer Golf Membership. Each return this season. Corridor is a junior, averaging 75.5 per spherical this 12 months. Allen, a senior, is fourth on the Saints with a 78.25 18-hole common.

Kennedy is the defending group champion, claiming the title for the primary time beneath head coach Mike Inexperienced. The sphere consists of 5 of the top-20 groups in 4A in 18-hole adjusted group common. Xavier is sixth general with No. 11 Cedar Rapids Prairie, Thirteenth-ranked Linn-Mar, No. 17 Iowa Metropolis Liberty and Kennedy at nineteenth.

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