Gracie Knobloch was shooting for back-to-back trips to the State Golf Tournament as she competed in the Class 1A Regional Final held May 21 at Primghar Golf & Country Club. Her score left her just short of that goal, however. The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn senior shot an 18-hole score of 93. That put her in eighth place but only the top six individuals plus ties advance. Knobloch was just two strokes higher than the score of 91 recorded by the fourth, fifth and sixth-place individuals.
Knobloch carded a 48 over the first nine holes and a 45 on the second nine. She closes out a season that saw her finish second overall in War Eagle Conference points and earn 1st Team All-Conference honors.
“Gracie has had a strong year and has worked hard throughout the season to improve her game,” stated Hawk coach Cheryl Kroese. “She fought through the bad weather obstacle during the Regional Final and still finished the meet just two strokes short of qualifying for state. I am so proud of this young lady and her commitment to constant improvement. I know her strong work ethic will drive her through life and I’m excited to see what her future holds.”
The top two teams at Primghar qualified for the Class 1A State Tournament which is scheduled for May 29 and 30 at American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown. Making the trip will be Akron-Westfield, with a 384 score, and Newell-Fonda with a 410 total. Individuals advancing are Josie Rokusek of Boyden-Hull (with a score of 81), Avery Westphal of Alta-Aurelia (86), Calista Joyce of Emmetsburg (89) and Macy DeMay of Newell-Fonda, Jordyn Sitzmann of Kingsley-Pierson and Cassidy Horstmann of South O’Brien (each with a 91).
Team Scores
Akron-Westfield 384, Newell-Fonda 398, South O’Brien 403, Alta-Aurelia 404, Kingsley-Pierson 425, Harris-Lake Park 456, South Central Calhoun 456.
*=State Qualifier
Individual State Qualifiers
Josie Rokusek, Boyden-Hull, 81; Avery Westphal, Alta-Aurelia, 86; Calista Joyce, Emmetsburg, 89; Macy DeMay, Newell-Fonda, 91; Jordyn Sitzmann, Kingsley-Pierson, 91; Cassidy Horstmann, South O’Brien, 91.
HMS Score: Gracie Knobloch, 48-45 – 93 (8th).