The Minnesota State High School League AA Boys Golf Championship was held June 11 and 12 at the Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan. Rain was in the forecast for both days and played a major part in the tournament.

Sophomore Luke Sunnarborg of Mound Westonka High School returned to the state meet this year after qualifying for the first time in 2023. He wasn’t happy with his 85 on day one, but he bounced back on day two to finish the season strong.

The rain started about an hour into day two, with Sunnarborg managing it well, and after eight holes, he stood at only one over par. However, lightning struck as he neared the ninth green, and with the blare of the horn, play was suspended. The golfers marked their balls, hurried into the clubhouse and waited for the storm to subside.

The girls tournament was being held at the same course, and as the lightning continued, officials decided to reduce the tournament from 36 holes to 27, hoping everyone would have time to complete a nine-hole round. A coin flip determined that the boys would play the front nine, and the girls would play the back. Since Sunnarborg had started on the back, his one over par round would not count, and he would essentially start over on the front.

After 4.5 hours of sitting in the clubhouse, Sunnarborg somehow managed to come back hot, scoring birdies on his first two holes. He finished the front nine at 37, only two strokes from second place for the day. The 37 tied him for 13th on the day, amongst some of the best golfers in the state.

Westonka’s season competitors played well in the tournament, with Holy Family (in the same conference) winning and Totino Grace (in the same section) taking third. These two teams placed seven players in the top 20. While the high school season is over, the summer season is just beginning for many junior golfers.

Congratulations to Sunnarborg and the White Hawks on a great season, and best of luck to those competing this summer!