The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate golf team’s season ended on Tuesday, Oct. 7, with the close of the two-day 3A state tournament in Eagle.
Senior Johnathon Smith capped off his high school career as part of a four-way tie for 21st, while sophomore Tyler Dimond tied for 56th.
Smith advanced to state all four years of his high school career, with Dimond making his second appearance at the season’s final tournament.
Coach Mark Faber noted the course was well-suited for the Pirate golfers and their practice rounds went well.
Smith finished with a two-day score of 153.
Smith ended the first day with a 78 on the par-72 course, logging birdies on five holes and par on six.
Smith rebounded to shoot a 75 on the second day, notching birdies on four holes and par on nine holes.
“This just wasn’t his day,” Faber said, adding it was a struggle until the second half of the second day.
Faber highlighted that Smith rebounded and was four under par on the final 10 holes.
“I was real proud that he finished the way he did,” Faber said of his last 10-holes.
Faber noted Smith had a “phenomenal” year, winning seven tournaments.
Dimond shot a 164 at the tournament.
He finished day one with an 83, shooting par on nine holes.
Dimond improved that score to an 81 on day two, notching birdies on two holes and par on seven holes.
“Tyler played well, he really did,” Faber said. “He improved from day one to day two and improved from last year.”
Faber added Dimond had a few holes that got away from him, but played well for the most part.
“Great kid, great attitude,” Faber said. “Really enjoyable.”
Faber noted the Pirates had a dozen golfers out this year, which is more than in the past and, while the team will lose several seniors, there are some “committed and pretty talented” underclassmen who will remain in the program.
“All in all, a very good year,” Faber said, calling it “a bit of a growing year” for the program.
Faber noted the program will lose five seniors — Smith, Max Brown, Ty Richey, Stephen Pair and Deaglen Denen.
Faber stated he was glad to have had the seniors on the team and that he wishes them the best in the future.
“We’re losing quite a few seniors, but a pretty good younger group,” Faber said, adding he’s excited for the future.
Faber also noted he’s thankful to the golf course for allowing the team to practice and “lettin’ us do what we do.”
randi@pagosasun.com
