Falcon freshman Cayden Besler places fifth in 4A state golf tourney; Air Academy earns sixth as team
Cayden Besler remained composed in his first state golf tournament and reaped the benefits of his poise.
The Falcon freshman finished fifth in the 4A boys state tournament and carded a two-day 3-over-par 143 at Fox Hill Club in Longmont. During Tuesday’s final round, Besler had an even-par 70.
After the 14th hole, Besler was 3-under-par and near the top of the leaderboard, but a double bogey on 16 and a bogey on 18 put the freshman at par. Besler finished his first round tied for ninth with a 73 and jumped four spots from his opening round to the finale.
Besler was the only freshman in the top 14 of the tournament and the next closest freshman, Broomfield’s Max Music, finished 14th and fell seven strokes behind Besler.
Last year’s 4A individual champion, Cheyenne Mountain’s Brayden Destefano, finished seventh with a two-day total of 6-over-par 146.
Destefano was tied for 14th at 74 following Monday’s round and hit six bogeys to two birdies. But the Red-Tailed Hawks’ junior recovered in his second round to move up seven spots and shot a 72 in the final round.
The Red-Tailed Hawks, the 2024 team champions, finished 11th with a two-day total of 465. For Air Academy, the Pikes Peak region’s highest-placing team, the Kadets finished sixth at 460. Mead won with a 5-over 440.
Ryan Dooms was the Kadets’ highest placer tied for 12th with a 149 and shot a 71 in his second round. Jack Brennan finished 28th overall at 155. Jack Moats, who soared to the top of the leader board after his even-par-70 first round, shot an 86 in the final round and placed 33rd overall.
3A tournament
Manitou Springs’ only golfer at Eagle Ranch Golf Course in Eagle shined despite a 20-minute weather delay Tuesday.
Hayden Dorsey, who finished the first round in ninth place, ended the 3A state tournament sixth overall and carded a two-day 3-over-par 147. Dorsey finished with five birdies in his second round and hit three on the back nine of the course.
Dorsey finished 10th last season and, prior to this week’s tournament, said he hoped to improve on his finish from his sophomore campaign.
The Classical Academy’s Grady Ortiz finished the tournament with a two-day 7-over-par 151 for 13th and Zachary Valentine placed 21st with a 153 for the Titans.
2A tournament
St. Mary’s Ron Karin was the only area 2A golfer to land in the top 25 and finished the tournament at Elmwood Golf Course in Pueblo with a 16-over-par 156 for 18th place. The Pirates senior hit three birdies in the tournament with two coming during the final round on the front nine.