One year after becoming Canby's first-ever boys golf state champion, sophomore Connor Holden is looking to build on his high school resume heading into next week's 5A tournament at Tokatee Golf Club.
And considering Holden has increased his scoring opportunities from last season by adding power to his game, he won't be easy to stop.
“He's definitely hitting the ball farther, another 20 to 30 yards,” Canby coach Greg Larrison said. “His approach shots are just like darts. He can set it right in there. From 150 out, a lot of times they're within 10 feet.”
As a result, Holden has a 71.3 stroke average this season, ranked second in 5A behind Summit senior Bryce Grieb (70.8). Eagle Point junior Jordan Giles is third at 72.0.
Larrison said that Holden has gained a “big advantage” by being longer off the tee this season.
“On par-fives, every one of them he looks at like an eagle opportunity,” Larrison said.
Holden showed what he could do at Tokatee in the Spartan Invitational on April 22. In a steady rain, he fired a season-low 7-under 65 to win, including an eagle on the 482-yard, par-five sixth hole. His bogey-free round helped Canby win the seven-team tournament at 18-over 306.
“He played well that day in not ideal conditions,” Larrison said.
Holden opened the season by shooting a 2-over 74 and finishing sixth in the stacked Canby Invitational at Willamette Valley Country Club. He followed that with three consecutive rounds of 69, showing consistency despite a busy schedule that included junior tournaments.
“He was playing a lot of golf at that time,” Larrison said. “He's be coming off a tournament from Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and play on Monday.”
Holden has won five of his 10 tournaments this season. He was the top player in the highly competitive Northwest Oregon Conference, capping it off with a win in the district tournament May 4 at Indian Creek Course. He led the Cougars to their first conference title since 2008.
“In the NWOC, he's respected by the other kids. Their goal, they all want to beat Connor,” Larrison said. “A lot of kids like playing with him because he's one of those kids that will chat you up when you're walking around.”
Holden returned to Tokatee on Thursday for the 5A State Preview tournament. He shot a 1-over 73 to finish third behind Grieb (67) and Thurston sophomore Landyn Lounsbury (71). The next finishers were at 77.
At state, Holden will look to draw on his experience from last year. He trailed by one stroke after one round on the OGA Golf Course in Woodburn but shot 2-under 70 on the second day to win by five strokes at even-par 144.
“He just rallied and kept digging,” Larrison said. “He can have a bad hole and he comes back. He stays in it and wants to compete. … I think winning as a freshman, it kind of set his standard. He wants to do that again.”
Notes: Teams that did not qualify for state by finishing first in their respective districts are vying for state tournament berths in regional tournaments this week. … West Linn (304) and Tigard (310) earned 6A boys tournament berths Monday in the Special District 2 regional at the OGA Golf Course. Clackamas senior David Lim was the tournament medalist at 5-under 67. … Sheldon (302) and South Medford (325) finished 1-2 in the Special District 3 regional Monday at Eagle Point Golf Course to claim their spots in the 6A tournament. Sheldon junior Charlie Posen finished first by shooting 3-under 69. … In 6A girls, West Linn (362) and Central Catholic (375) topped the Special District 2 regional Monday at the OGA Golf Course to earn their berths to the state tournament. Lakeridge sophomore Hannah Wendorf fired a 1-under 71 to finish first.
jerryu@osaa.org
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