JORDAN — Albert Lea’s three state qualifiers finished the first 18 holes of the state meet within five strokes of each other.

Alex Syverson led the Tigers with a pair of scores in the 30s to lead the team with a total of 75 Tuesday on Day 1 of the two-day Class AA state golf tournament at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan.

“We’re in great shape for tomorrow,” said Albert Lea coach Casey McIntyre. “All three players are positioned well.”

Syverson shot a 39 on the front nine and 36 on the back to take 25th place out of 88 individuals.

Last year, Syverson qualified for state as a sophomore. He followed a 47 on the front nine of Day 1 with scores of 41, 35 and 38 to take 47th place in 161 strokes.

“I was a lot more settled down with the first tee this year,” said Syverson.

Brady Loch, a senior, tied the Syverson for the Tigers’ best round with a score of 36 on the front nine and 42 on the back for a total of 78. He is tied for 43rd place through 18 holes, and made par on eight consecutive holes with a birdie on No. 7.

“I’m just trying to get rid of those bigger numbers and be more consistent,” said Loch.

Last year, Loch took 44th place. He followed scores of 39 and 43 on the first day with a pair of 39s on the second day for a total of 160.

Syverson and Loch competed at state with Lucas Peterson last year. This year, the duo qualified with junior Jack Pulley.

“Having a couple buddies with you up here makes everything a lot easier,” Syverson said.

Pulley shot two rounds of 40, and will start Day 2 in 56th place.

Although Pulley competed at Ridges at Sand Creek last year during the regular season, he said the experience at the state meet was different.

“The first tee shot was definitely a challenge,” Pulley said. “The heart’s beating pretty fast, but it’s been a fun day.”

The Tigers will tee off for the last 18 holes at 7:30 a.m. today.

“I’m just proud of them,” McIntyre said. “They played well and represented Albert Lea well. I’m looking forward to seeing them do that tomorrow as well.”

 

Albert Lea at Class AA state meet

1. Blake 296

2. Mankato East 297

3. St. Cloud Cathedral 301

4. Holy Family Catholic 301

5. Triton 316

6. Crookston 317

7. Greenway-Nashuwauk-Keewatin 325

8. Worthington 330

(8 teams)

 

Albert Lea individuals

25. Alex Syverson 75

34. Brady Loch 78

56. Jack Pulley 80

(88 individuals)