West Jordan golfers weather the 5A state tournament

The weather at Talons Cove Golf Course in Saratoga Springs for the 2011 boy’s golf state championship was less than optimal over Oct. 5 and 6. But play commenced in spite of spitting rain, combined with the chilliest temperatures of the fall. But, West Jordan golfers gutted it out, dressed warm and hit the links anyhow.

West Jordan High School’s team played together in the tournament, while Copper Hills sent only its top golfer to compete in tourney. The Jaguars, who finished4^th in Region 3, had six representatives playing in Saratoga Springs: Jaden Jackson, Sean Green, Austin Green, Austin Becker, Matt Fowlks and freshman Hayden Akiyama. West Jordan was led by Jackson, who shot an 82 on the first day and an 83 on the second day to combine for a total of 165 to finish tied for 28^th.

 “He is a very good golfer and helped us out tremendously this year,” West Jordan assistant coach Kasey Walkenhurst said. The team ultimately finished in 14^th place, one slot better than 2010.

The Grizzlies’ only golfer to tee up at the state tournament was team captain Ian Wendelboth, who combined a first day performance of 89 and a second day performance of 82 to shoot a total of 171. Copper Hills finished 5^th in Region 3 for 2011, just behind West Jordan.

Both teams are poised to compete well in 2012, with young rosters composed of golfers with some experience. Austin Green, Jackson and Wendelboth are the only senior golfers from both schools to compete in the state tournament.

“We were anchored by five juniors,” Walkenhurst said. Those juniors should be next year’s senior leadership.