Yearian, Marsh close out season; State Golf Tournament canceled after one round

AMES — Williamsburg’s Bryce Yearian and English Valleys’ Eli Marsh had their seasons cut one round short Tuesday.

The Iowa High School boys’ state golf tournament came to a halt after just one day of competition due to heavy amounts of rain.

The second round of the tournament was canceled.

“It’s Iowa” some might say after what has been a very up and down week of weather in the state.

“It’s frustrating to have the season end like that. you could see a lot of disappointment and heartbreak in the players eyes,” English Valleys head golf coach Daniel Tapken said.

Questions arose about the lack of a plan for bad weather, especially when it was forecast.

“I can see it both ways, but a better plan in action is needed. If it is going to be a two-day tournament, two days need to be played.” Tapken said.

The weather conditions were great Wednesday, if a makeup day were in place, but the courses still might not have been in a playable condition.

“We’ve been trying to get a rain date added, but it can be difficult when dealing with public facilities,” Williamsburg head coach Brad Schaefer said.

Final results were based off round one scores.

Yearian, a senior (in his send straight state appearance), shot a first-round score of 83 at the Veenker Memorial Golf Course in Ames. He finished T29th.

“Bryce was playing really well all round and had a hiccup on the last hole, but that does not define him and his season,” Schaefer said.

“Bryce has been an amazing golfer for four years, and has been a part of one of our best 1-2 punches in Raider golf history (with Crew Klingner).”

Yearian showed gratefulness in being able to participate at the state tournament in his senior year.

“It was a great experience playing with some great golfers. It’s always a good sign when you can finish your season at the State tournament,” Yearian said.

Yearian’s final season included several top five finishes throughout the season highlighted by a tied-for-first performance at the Class 3A sectional in Oskaloosa (Edmundson Golf Course) with a round score of 70.

Marsh, a senior, shot a first-round score of 84 at the Ames Golf & Country Club. He finished T32.

Marsh overcame a shaky start on the first two holes shooting +7 but was resilient and finished the round strong.

“It was Eli’s goal to qualify this year after missing State by one stroke last season,” Tapken said.

“He came into this season with a lot of fuel and started off right where he left off last year.”

Marsh won (or tied for) six different events throughout the season including a first-place finish at the Class 1A district meet in Wapello (Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club) with a score of 79.

Both Yearian and Marsh received offers to play golf in college, but both have decided not to play at the collegiate level but will play club/intramural golf at their respective schools.

Yearian will attend the University of Iowa this fall, and Marsh will attend Iowa State University.