Golden Hawk golfers open season with win

The Mid-Prairie High School boys golf team hosted Iowa City Regina in the season-opening golf meet at the Kalona Golf Course Thursday.

The Golden Hawks came out on top, beating River Valley Conference rival Regina in a varsity only conference dual meet, 167-189.

'I was excited going into the season knowing we had three quality golfers returning to the lineup,” MP coach Kelby Bender said. 'There was also a little unknown after losing three golfers from last year's squad to graduation.”

Many Golden Hawks played well in the first meet of the season.

Noah Schlabaugh, a junior, earned meet medalist honors after carding a 2-over-par 38. He made five pars and a birdie 3 on the par-4 fourth hole.

In his varsity debut, senior Chaz Patterson put together a great round and earned medalist runner-up honors with a 41. His consistent round carded four pars and five bogeys.

Another great round from a first-time varsity golfer came from sophomore Dominic McCain, who tied for third with a 43. His round included two pars and was highlighted by a birdie 4 on the par-5 sixth hole.

Senior Ryan Smit rounded out the scoring with a steady 45. After a slow start, Smit was able to settle in and finish with a couple pars.

Junior Monte Slabaugh battle through a tough start, stuck with it and finished strong for a 47. He parred the par-5 seventh and made a birdie 3 on the par-4 ninth hole.

Senior Mitchell Christiansen rounded out the lineup, shooting a 54. He is the third MP varsity golfer making his debut.

'Our golfers have been working hard, so to come out and play well in the first meet is great,” Bender said. 'It is fun to see them competing and working to get better each day in practice.”

Next up is West Branch at home Monday and Tuesday MP travels to Cedar Crest in Columbus Junction to play Louisa Muscatine.