The Classical Academy freshman Liam O’Halloran ties for sixth at state boys’ golf
AURORA – Give him a mulligan or two and Liam O’Halloran just might have pressed into the lead pack on day two of the 3A state boys’ golf tournament.
Give him another year or two and he might lead the pack altogether.
The Classical Academy freshman finished at 7-over 151 and tied for sixth to break the Titans’ record for highest finish at a state golf tournament.
The title went to Kent Denver’s Oliver Jack (144), who rolled in a birdie Tuesday to win a playoff over Estes Park’s Ivan Richmond.
The Sun Devils also celebrated a team title with a score of 13-over 445 at Saddle Rock Golf Course.
“I was excited more than nervous to see what the final day held,” said Jack, who left a six-foot putt short on his final hole that would’ve clinched the title about 20 minutes sooner.
“It’s just unbelievable that I won it.”
O’Halloran hopes his day will come soon.
Touting crisp shooting and an ease beyond his years, the freshman ended his first state appearance with a birdie and five straight pars to score 5-over.
His most impressive shot may have come as the season drew to a close. He landed a 60-foot chip within a foot of the No. 18 pin – just one more reminder of how special this young golfer really is, TCA coach Bob Gravelle said.
“He’s everything you want in a player and a teammate,” Gravelle said. “I’ve been waiting for a player like him to come along.
“I expect him to be in the first or second group (at state) every year from now on.”
O’Halloran was indeed strong through two days but did have a pair of fairly costly hiccups: both on par-4 No. 10.
He double bogeyed the hole Monday and tripled it Tuesday. That 5-over mark kept him out of serious contention in what was an otherwise beautifully played tournament.
“I was pretty consistent, it was just that one hole that got me,” said O’Halloran, who shot 2-over through the other 34 holes with five bogeys and three birdies. “It’s funny, I played a practice round here at the beginning of the season and I (eagled) that hole.”
Elsewhere, TCA senior Bobby Ball shot a 177.
Lucas Culver shot 181 to lead Manitou Springs to a 13th-place finish. Bryon Baca (197), Jaeden Jones (200) and Preston Salsgiver (205) also scored for the Mustangs.
Stephen Sabish (187) and Jack Velten (191) represented St. Mary’s.
The Classical Academy freshman Liam O’Halloran ties for sixth at state boys’ golf
AURORA – Give him a mulligan or two and Liam O’Halloran just might have pressed into the lead pack on day two of the 3A state boys’ golf tournament.
Give him another year or two and he might lead the pack altogether.
The Classical Academy freshman finished at 7-over 151 and tied for sixth to break the Titans’ record for highest finish at a state golf tournament.
The title went to Kent Denver’s Oliver Jack (144), who rolled in a birdie Tuesday to win a playoff over Estes Park’s Ivan Richmond.
The Sun Devils also celebrated a team title with a score of 13-over 445 at Saddle Rock Golf Course.
“I was excited more than nervous to see what the final day held,” said Jack, who left a six-foot putt short on his final hole that would’ve clinched the title about 20 minutes sooner.
“It’s just unbelievable that I won it.”
O’Halloran hopes his day will come soon.
Touting crisp shooting and an ease beyond his years, the freshman ended his first state appearance with a birdie and five straight pars to score 5-over.
His most impressive shot may have come as the season drew to a close. He landed a 60-foot chip within a foot of the No. 18 pin – just one more reminder of how special this young golfer really is, TCA coach Bob Gravelle said.
“He’s everything you want in a player and a teammate,” Gravelle said. “I’ve been waiting for a player like him to come along.
“I expect him to be in the first or second group (at state) every year from now on.”
O’Halloran was indeed strong through two days but did have a pair of fairly costly hiccups: both on par-4 No. 10.
He double bogeyed the hole Monday and tripled it Tuesday. That 5-over mark kept him out of serious contention in what was an otherwise beautifully played tournament.
“I was pretty consistent, it was just that one hole that got me,” said O’Halloran, who shot 2-over through the other 34 holes with five bogeys and three birdies. “It’s funny, I played a practice round here at the beginning of the season and I (eagled) that hole.”
Elsewhere, TCA senior Bobby Ball shot a 177.
Lucas Culver shot 181 to lead Manitou Springs to a 13th-place finish. Bryon Baca (197), Jaeden Jones (200) and Preston Salsgiver (205) also scored for the Mustangs.
Stephen Sabish (187) and Jack Velten (191) represented St. Mary’s.