April 15, 2009

Watford boys to host golf tourney Friday

By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

The Watford City High School boys varsity golf team will open its 2009 season on Friday, April 17 when the Wolves host a tournament at the Watford City Golf Course.
“So far the boys seem to be hitting the ball pretty well on the range,” states Matt Liebel, head boys golf coach. “We’ll have to see how that transfers to the course. The only concern I have will be our short game since the practice green is still covered in snow. But overall for our region our course is in very good shape.
This season, Liebel has 13 boys out for senior high golf with five returning players who have varsity experience.
“We will be very young with only one senior and one junior on the team,” says Liebel. “The lone senior is Seth Dougherty, who put in some time last summer and will be looked upon to become a consistent score and also provide leadership for the underclassmen.”
The other four players with varsity experience are sophomores Nick Liebel, Chris Larsen, Skylar Rogness, and Doug Rolfson. 
“Nick has been a solid golfer for the Wolves since he was a 7th grader,” says Liebel. “He is one of the top golfers in the region and has a few tournament wins under his belt, so he looks to improve to become one of the top golfers in the state.”
 Liebel is also expecting to see improved play from Larsen, Rogness and Rolfson.
“Chris, Skylar, and Doug all can play very well,” comments Liebel. “If they can drop their averages to the lower 80s we should be very competitive this season.”
Others golfers competing for a varsity spot this season are junior Jesse Weber; sophomores Ryan Monsen, Tanner Wold, and Reid Kinden; freshmen Dakota Shaver, Jayden Grotte, Kalden Heggen, and Jordan Pokrzywinski.
“This season should be exciting and could be very short with the weather,” says Liebel. “I’m not really sure who all has good teams in the region but there are a few players that could be all state contenders come seasons end. We look to improve throughout the year and hopefully be in contention for a region title.
The junior high has five boys out and although Liebel would like to see a few more golfers at this level, he sees potential from this group.
Competing on the junior high team are eighth graders and seventh graders Colter Maki, Kalen Hartel, and Mitchell Liebel.
The junior high team opens its season on Monday, April 20 at the Northwest Conference Junior High Meet in Ray.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER