Boys Golfer of the Year: Consistency the key for Bedford's Klawonn
Unless the movie “Happy Gilmore” is the sum of your golf knowledge, then you know that golfing is rarely a raucous sport.
And Bedford’s Carter Klawonn exemplifies that quiet demeanor you typically see on the golf course.
“Carter is not the most vocal person on the team, but was the most consistent throughout the season,” said Bedford coach Brad Reed. “He’s a leader by example.”
Klawonn has been named Monroe County Region Boys Golfer of the Year in voting by The Monroe News sports staff.
While Bedford had varying medalists throughout its season, it was Klawonn’s consistency throughout – particularly at the end of the year – that led the Bedford boys golf team to its most successful season since 2010. That year, the team tied for fourth in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 final golf tournament.
“Knowing that I’m one of the best golfers in the area feels great,” Klawonn said. “I’m excited to see how I can grow my game further and accomplish more things in the future.”
Klawonn’s consistency earned him first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors this season, recording the sixth-highest point total in the conference. He also led the Mules to its 15th-place finish in the Division 1 state tournament, shooting a two-round total of 159.
State Finals: Bedford places 15th
At the Regional tournament, where the team placed third to qualify for the state final, Klawonn shot 85 for 18 holes, good for third on the team behind 84s from juniors Frank Soss and Jayce Yarad.
At the SEC Championship, where the Mules placed third, Klawonn finished second on the team with an 82, to freshman Taleon Guess’ 79. At the Monroe County Golf Championship, which Bedford won by 14 strokes, Klawonn was among three Mules – along with Guess and Soss – to earn spots on the all-tournament team. Guess finished first overall with a round of 74.
County Championships: Mules deep and young
“I think the season went pretty good,” Klawonn said, noting that the team met its season goals with the SEC finish, county championship and making it to the state finals.
While the team and Klawonn achieved a lot of success, he said his personal highlight was shooting a 71 at the Ida Invitational to break the tournament record.
He’s also satisfied with the personal goals he achieved this season.
In addition to again earning All-SEC honors, “I wanted to try to shoot in the 70s for an 18-hole round and did that four out of six or seven times. We accomplished the goals we wanted to and I’m looking forward to next season.”
All of the Mules' top golfers return for next season, including the six – five seniors and one sophomore next school year – who led them at the regional and state tournaments.
Regionals: Bedford golfers earn trip to Division 1 state finals
And Klawonn has high expectations.
“I finished 34th in the state and think I can do better. A top-20 placement is a good goal,” he said. “I’m just excited to see how we do next year.”
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Boys Golfer of the Year: Consistency the key for Bedford's Klawonn
