Conners leads boys to state championship

The Whitefish Bulldog boys golf team, lead by Chris Conners, captured its second straight state championship — this one at home at Whitefish Lake Golf Course.

Last year, the boys topped second-place Billings Central by 21 shots, but this year the margin was 39 stokes to easily win the title. The team total of 609, while impressive, was well above the local players' average of 590 for two-day events this season.

Chris Conners became somewhat of a Cinderella story, winning medalist honors at this year's state tournament. His 75, 74 sealed the deal for a two-shot victory over Chris Richter, of Bigfork.

Conners started the final round two shots behind Richter, but he managed a tied at the turn. On the back nine, Chris made his run with birdies on holes 12 and 16 to cruise to victory.

"Chris Conners could easily be the most improved player in one year I've ever seen," Coach Terry Nelson said. "He came from the middle of the JV squad last season to become the only Bulldog to be in the 70s in every round this season. He exemplified hard work and focus to become another on the list of Whitefish High School golfers to win a state title."

Senior Matt Krause finished in third place with solid rounds of 77, 75 on the long, wet North Course.

"Barring a couple of triple bogies in his two rounds, Matt may have challenged Conners for medalist honors," Nelson said. "Matt Krause can post a lot of birdies during his rounds."

Sophomore Sam Krause captured fourth place in the field of 78 players from all the Class A schools around the state. Sam recorded rounds of 76, 78 to finish just five shots out of first place.

"Golf is always a game of 'what-if,' and Sam had his chances derailed by a couple untimely holes when he tripled and doubled on the back nine," Nelson said. "Sam is normally the most consistent player on the team and rarely makes bogies during his round."

Derek Denning tied for fifth place with rounds of 77, 78 and completed a near sweep of the top-five spots by the outstanding boys team.

Tyler Holtet, winner of three straight tournaments heading into the state tournament, had a difficult first day but finished day two with a 77 to help the team claim the title. Holtet had the lowest stroke average of the team during the regular season, and was the medallist at Western A Divisional.

"This is the best team from top to bottom I've ever had in 23 seasons as Whitefish high golf coach," Nelson said. "When the player that starts the tournament as number five wins, it says volumes about the team as a whole."

Conners, Matt Krause, Sam Krause and Denning all earned All-State honors for the 2005 season — the second time in a row for Matt Krause and Denning. Holtet was an All-State selection in 2003-2004, and Sam Krause earned his first All-State honors this year.

"Coaches from around the state have said it's the best team ever in Montana prep golf history," Nelson said. "Two years of being undefeated against all the top teams in the state is certainly noteworthy."

Nelson noted that Bulldog Zac Wooten could have easily been a top-10 player, but he couldn't play because schools are not allowed to enter more than five players.

"If we're trying to identify the best players in the state, there needs to be a format that lets the best golfers enter the state tournament," Nelson said. "Zac will get his chance next year, along with Derek, Tyler and Sam. I fully expect the boys to be equally competitive next year."