Ronan just misses state

RONAN — Golfers for the Ronan Chiefs and Maidens held their own in two tournaments and again in divisionals, but saw their season come to a close on Monday, May 7.

Ronan golf opened the week at the Seeley-Swan Invitational, with the Chiefs finishing fifth of six teams with a 391, just eight strokes behind Bigfork and 17 behind Deer Lodge, despite having only two varsity golfers scoring.

RONAN — Golfers for the Ronan Chiefs and Maidens held their own in two tournaments and again in divisionals, but saw their season come to a close on Monday, May 7.

Ronan golf opened the week at the Seeley-Swan Invitational, with the Chiefs finishing fifth of six teams with a 391, just eight strokes behind Bigfork and 17 behind Deer Lodge, despite having only two varsity golfers scoring.

“For that course, we did OK,” head coach Rupe Paulson said. “The greens were rough after a long winter, but overall, I was pleased with our performance.”

Alex Killian shot a team-leading 89, while Payton Adams and JV golfer Austin Hakes each carded a 99. Chase Rhine also contributed to the finish with his 104, while Jared Dupuis shot a 112. For the Maidens, Shyann Brum and Kristen Likens both hung tough with the rest of the field, finishing the 18 holes in the mid-120s.

At St. Regis on Thursday, May 3, the Chiefs ended up in fourth of the eight teams with a 369, but were just 29 strokes behind first place in an all-around solid performance for Ronan.

Riley Dennis came off the track and onto the fairway to shoot an 84, which was good for a sixth-place tie overall, while Hakes impressed Paulson with a 91.

“That performance shot him up to varsity at divisionals,” Paulson said. “I was very pleased. He came in midseason and works hard and that’s a good thing.”

Killian entered the clubhouse with a 95, while Adams shot his second 99 of the week. On their home course for divisionals, the Chiefs carded some solid scores, but narrowly missed out on state, finishing sixth as a team with a 372, 14 strokes behind Big Timber.

Dennis led the way with an 89, Killian and Adams each scored a 93, Lukas Conklin added a 97 for Ronan. For the Maidens, Likens shot one of her top scores of the season, coming in with a 122.

“That was better than she’s shot for most of the season,” Paulson said.

One of the frustrating aspects for Paulson, like most golf coaches, is that he can’t be on the course with his players to give them tips or advice.

“We send them out there and hope for the best,” Paulson said. “Every coach in the clubhouse was on pins and needles.”

Despite falling short of state, Ronan had bright spots throughout the season and should be a team to watch next spring.