On a hot, blustery day at Pebble Creek Golf Club, Westonka junior Luke Sunnarborg punched his ticket to the Minnesota State High School League AA State Tournament for the third consecutive year, leading the Westonka White Hawks boys golf team to a strong third-place finish in the Section 5AA Tournament held May 29 and June 2.

The two-day event began with 14 teams and 84 golfers competing for just one team berth and five individual state qualifiers. The White Hawks delivered — firing their best team round of the year on day one to land in second place, trailing only four-time defending section champion Totino-Grace.

Day one conditions were mild in the 60s, and Westonka players took full advantage. Sunnarborg carded a 75, placing him fourth individually after round one. Juniors Wes Foley and Logan Hill each stepped up with their best rounds of the season, shooting 78 and 82, respectively. Sophomore Hudson Pundsack added an 83, while freshmen Leif Kellner (85) and Erik Flom (96) rounded out Westonka’s lineup.

On day two, the field was cut to 45 players. As the temperature climbed into the 90s and swirling winds swept across the course ahead of an approaching storm, course conditions grew increasingly difficult—especially on the fast, firm greens.

Sunnarborg started his round hot with a 35 on the front nine but ran into trouble on the back nine. Showing veteran poise, he bounced back with two clutch pars to finish his round, including a pressure-packed putt on the 18th green that secured his return to the state tournament. His final-round 80 gave him a two-day total of 155, enough to earn one of the five individual state-qualifying spots.

The White Hawks finished third overall as a team behind Totino-Grace and North Branch Area. Westonka’s remaining scorers on day two were Pundsack with an 82, Flom with an 89, Kellner with a 92, Foley with a 93, and Hill with a 95.

Sunnarborg will represent Westonka at the State AA Tournament at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan on June 10 and 11. Congratulations to Luke and the entire Westonka White Hawks team on an impressive section tournament and a fantastic season!