No doubt, Jakob Rudosky would love to have a few shots back. Six to be exact, but even so, the Montezuma-Cortez High School Panthers golfer cannot feel too bad about his most recent performance.
Competing in Evergreen at the 4A state golf championship on Monday, Sept. 30, and Tuesday, Oct. 1, Rudosky finished five shots behind tournament winner Isaac Petersillie, carding a 2-round score of 9 over par, which was good enough to tie for fifth place.
“It went all right,” Rudosky said of the state tournament. “I played solid, I just got on a couple of bogey streaks, and they cost me the tournament.”
After opening the first round with a birdie on the first hole, Rudosky pared the next eight holes, finishing the front nine at 1-under.
The back 9 would prove more difficult, as the senior would bogie holes 10, 11, 12, 15, 17 and 18 to finish with the first round at 5-over par.
“It was a tough course,” said Rudosky of the layout at the Hiwan Country Club. “I liked the front nine. I struggled on the back nine both days. The greens there are wicked, and the tee shots are pretty difficult as well.”
Hoping to climb the leader board in the second round, Rudosky birdied the second hole before bogeying holes 7, 8 and 9 to make the turn at 7-over for the tournament.
After two more bogies on holes 10 and 13, things looked bleak, but Rudosky managed to salvage the round with birdies on holes 14 and 15.
After bogeying 17, Rudosky concluded his high school career with a par on 18 to finish at 4-over for the round and 9-over for the tournament.
“I had an awesome four years,” said Rudosky, reminiscing about his high school career. “Just seeing how much I grew from my freshman year to my senior year was awesome.”
With the high school golf season now behind him, Rudosky will turn his attention to basketball, yet golf will never be far from the senior’s mind.
“Basketball starts soon,” said Rudosky. “I’ll keep playing in a couple of tournaments here and there, waiting for next year. I’m hoping I’m going to go to college somewhere and play some golf.”
If the last four years provide any indication, Rudosky should have little difficulty playing in college and playing well. After all, the standout golfer was one of the best that M-CHS has ever seen.
imaclaren@cortezjournal.com
