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Gilbert falls short of three-peat, places third at 3A Iowa high school boys state golf tournament

Joe Randleman, Ames Tribune
·4 min read

Gilbert's reign atop Class 3A in boys golf came to an end Tuesday at the Iowa high school boys state golf tournament held at the Veenker Memorial Golf Course.

The Tigers entered the tournament as the two-time defending state champions. But despite a breakout performance from Zach Wilson, they were unable to make it three in a row, placing third with a two-day, 36-hole score of 645.

MOC-Floyd Valley won with a score of 629 and Knoxville scored a 643 to edge Gilbert for second. MOC-Floyd Valley led Knoxville by 10 strokes and Gilbert by 11 after the first day then stretched it out a little more on Tuesday thanks in large part to great individual performances from Davis and Carson Korver.

Gilbert's Zachary Wilson chips the ball onto the 18th green during the Class 3A boys state golf tournament at the Veenker Memorial Golf Course Tuesday. Wilson stepped up to place sixth individually and earn a medal. He helped the Tigers place third as a team.
Gilbert's Zachary Wilson chips the ball onto the 18th green during the Class 3A boys state golf tournament at the Veenker Memorial Golf Course Tuesday. Wilson stepped up to place sixth individually and earn a medal. He helped the Tigers place third as a team.

"They would have had to all play lights out two days to beat MOC," said Gilbert coach Holly Lester. "They are a very good team."

Gilbert's No. 1 golfer, Missouri recruit Brock Snyder, said he had an off two days. Snyder shot a 164 after scoring an 82 each day to finish 20 over par for the tournament.

"It didn't go very well," Snyder said. "I wasn't very comfortable with my swing and the results showed that."

Snyder ended up tying for 19th. Even though he didn't have the tournament he wanted, Snyder said he is still happy with his career and is looking forward to seeing what he can do at the Division 1 level.

More: How Gilbert's Brock Snyder plans to end his career as top 3A Iowa high school boys golfer

"I learned a lot and I think I'm ready for my college career," Snyder said. "There's a lot to take from my years at Gilbert. I accomplished a lot and I'm proud of everything the team has done. I've got a lot of energy going into next year and I'm super excited."

Snyder was also excited to see one of his younger teammates step up at state. Junior Zachary Wilson had the best score for Gilbert and ended up earning a medal by placing sixth.

"It's awesome to see the younger guys step up," Snyder said. "It's good to know there is a future for Gilbert golf and it's looking bright."

Wilson shot a 12-over score of 156 to finish in a three-way tie with Clear Creek-Amana's Zachary McCarty and Knoxville's Kail Arkema. Wilson lost a count back to McCarty for fifth, but he beat out Arkema for sixth.

"It's good to come out to state and play as well as you can," Wilson said. "It's a little disappointing not to win (as a team), but as an individual, I think I did really good."

Wilson carded an 80 Monday then went just four over Tuesday in scoring a 76. He had two birdies on Monday and three on Tuesday.

"He had a great day today (Tuesday) and kept us in it," Lester said. "He was pretty good yesterday as well."

Sophomore Ryan Lynch scored an 85 Monday then shaved eight strokes off that score Tuesday to score a 162 and tie for 17th place. Junior Joey Currans carded an 85 Monday and 80 Tuesday to finish tied for 21st with a 165 as the final golfer to turn in a counted score for the Tigers.

Gilbert's Ryan Lynch chips the ball from rough onto the 9th hole green during the 3A boys state golf tournament at the Veenker Memorial Golf Course Tuesday.
Gilbert's Ryan Lynch chips the ball from rough onto the 9th hole green during the 3A boys state golf tournament at the Veenker Memorial Golf Course Tuesday.

Hudson White tied for 34th with a 171 and Logan Youngberg tied for 60th with a 186. White and Youngberg are both sophomores.

Though she loses Snyder, with everyone else back and some young talent in the program Lester is optimistic about the future of the program.

"There have been several younger golfers coming out here supporting them," Lester said. "I hope there are even younger ones coming up in the middle school that will be able to keep things going for Gilbert golf."

Washington's Roman Roth was the 3A state individual champion after shooting a one-under score of 143 to beat Davis Korver by eight strokes. Solon's Jack McCarty scored a 153 to take third and Carson Korver came in fourth with a 154.

Final 3A team scores (36 holes):

  • 1. MOC-Floyd Valley, 319-310-629

  • 2. Knoxville 329-314-643

  • 3. Gilbert 330-315-645

  • 4. ADM 334-315-649

  • 5. Solon 335-319-654

  • 6. Waverly-Shell Rock 339-320-659

  • 7. Winterset 337-333, 670

  • 8. Spencer 347-342-689

  • 9. Williamsburg 350-340-690

  • 10. West Delaware 349-343-692Individual 3A placewinners:

  • 1. Roman Roth (Washington) 73-70-143

  • 2. Davis Korver (MOC-Floyd Valley) 80-71-151

  • 3. Jack McCarty (Solon) 79-74-153

  • 4. Carson Korver (MOC-Floyd Valley) 79-75-154

  • 5. Zachary McCarty (CCA) 79-77-156

  • 6. Zachary Wilson (Gilbert) 80-76-156

  • 7. Kail Arkema (Knoxville) 79-77-156.Gilbert (645):

  • Zachary Wilson 80-76-156

  • Ryan Lynch 85-77-162

  • Brock Snyder 82-82-164

  • Joey Currans 85-80-165

  • Hudson White 83-88-171

  • Logan Youngberg 97-89-186.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Gilbert boys take third at the iowa boys state golf tournament