The Minnesota State High School League AA Golf Tournament was held June 13-14 at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan. Qualifying for Mound Westonka were senior Mac Harmer and freshman Luke Sunnarborg. The boys played a practice round at Ridges on June 12 and were ready to go the next afternoon.

It was a warm day with temperatures in the 80s, but both boys took a while to heat up. Sunnarborg started the first three holes four over par, but then relaxed into his round, playing the next nine holes only one over par. He would finish the round with three birdies for an 81.

Harmer also took a while to find his groove the first day, but when he did, he provided the highlight of the tournament. On the 121-yard 15th hole, Harmer pulled out his 54-degree wedge. The pin was set behind a large bunker, and Harmer swung right for it.

“It took a hop toward the pin, and then I lost it,” Harmer said. “Then I heard some cheering. Everyone in the group in front of us started cheering.”

The group ahead, including Sunnarborg and many fans, watched the ball drop into the cup and then celebrated the rare feat. For an amateur player, the odds of scoring a hole-in-one are 12,500 to 1. Harmer hit the perfect shot at the perfect moment, scoring a memory to last a lifetime – a hole-in-one at the state meet, witnessed by his coach, teammates, friends and family. 

“It turned my game around," said Harmer. "I had a really bad first 14 holes, and then the 15th turned it around, and I finished with three pars, so that was good.” Harmer finished the day with an 83.

The second day was the reverse of the first for Sunnarborg, starting hot early, and cooling as the round progressed. He shot a 38 on the front nine, and finished the day at 87. Harmer had another day with a slower start and better finish, shooting 42 on the front nine and 38 on the back for an 80.

The first and second place team trophies went to teams the White Hawks know well. Totino Grace, who beat Mound Westonka at the section meet for the second year in a row, were crowned champions with an impressive two-day total of 598. Holy Family, who competes in Mound Westonka’s conference, was not far behind in second with a 602. Also representing the Wright Country Conference East was senior Luke Maas of Watertown-Mayer, placing ninth with a 73-76.

Congratulations to Sunnarborg on his first state appearance, and to Harmer on an exciting finish to his senior year.