Weather postpones final day of State B golf

by The Daily Inter Lake
| May 17, 2017 2:12 AM

SHELBY — With cold weather and high winds settling in, and rain projected on the way, officials suspended the second day of the Class B state golf tournament before competitors could tee off on Wednesday at Marias Valley Golf Club.

“Because of the low temperatures, wind and high chance of precipitation throughout the day, the decision has been made to suspend play today and conclude the events on Thursday. The weather forecast in Shelby for Thursday is much better, which will allow these athletes to participate in more favorable conditions for their state championship event.”

Libby sophomore Ryggs Johnston leads the boys tournament after shooting 11-under-par 61 in the first round, one of the lowest 18-hole scores in state history. He set the low 36-hole record of 131 last season.

Missoula Loyola’s Kylie Esh holds the individual girls lead and the Loyola boys and Three Forks girls lead the team races.

Class C golf finished up in Seeley on Wednesday, with the Seeley-Swan boys winning on their home course at Double Arrow Resort. The Blackhawks placed all three scoring golfers in the top 10.

Manhattan Christian won the girls title, placing all three golfers in the top 14 finishers.

Harlowton’s Reed Wasson birdied the 18th hole from 30 feet out to win the boys individual title by a single stroke after carding a final day 80, holding off a late push from Seeley’s McKinley Nicholas.

Sunburst’s Katara Ryan trailed by nine strokes entering the final round of play but roared back with a tournament-low 89 on the second day to win by five strokes.