March 18, 2024

Simon ties for third at state golf

MARSHALLTOWN — Central Decatur junior Noah Simon finished in a three-way tie for third place here Saturday at the Class 1A Boys State Golf Meet at the American Legion Memorial Golf Course.

Simon recorded a 36-hole score of 150, finishing just three strokes back of leaders Chris Cooksley of East Buchanan and Josh McCormick of Alta-Aurelia.

Cooksley, a freshman, won on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff between the two golfers who were tied at 147.

Simon tied for third with Bishop Garrigan's Josh Marlow and Grundy Center's Lane Bangasser.

The Central Decatur junior entered Saturday's play in second place with his round of 73, three strokes back of first-day leader McCormick.

Simon made the turn after his first nine holes in first place at 1-under par.

He was unable to keep that pace going, but still found himself in a favorable position entering day two of the tournament.

After carding a round of 77 on Saturday, however, Simon dropped back into third place, as Cooksley recorded a second-day score of 72 to charge up the leaderboard.

"Well it didn't end quite how I wanted, but I guess third isn't too bad," Simon said via twitter after the tournament. "Dumb decisions at times, but a great learning experience for sure."

Of the top five placewinners, only one was a senior. In fact, there were only three seniors among the top 12 finishers.

Boys State Golf Meet

CLASS 1A

American Legion Memorial Golf Course, par 70

Team Standings - 1. Bishop Garrigan 308-315-623, 2. Grundy Center 325-318-643, 3. Griswold 329-315-644, 4. East Buchanan 330-315-645, 5. Winfield-Mt. Union 340-318-658, 6. Riverside, Oakland 321-343-664, 7. (tie) Newell-Fonda 334-348-682, Lisbon 341-341-682.

Individual Medalists - 1. *Chris Cooksley, East Buchanan, 72-72-147 (won on first hole of sudden-death playoff); 2. Josh McCormick, Alta-Aurelia, 70-77-147; 3. (tie) Jess Marlow, Garrigan, 76-74-150; Lane Bangasser, Grundy Center, 75-75-150; Noah Simon, Central Decatur, 73-77-150; 6. (tie) Chad Plaehn, GMG, 75-77-152; Tristan Kadel, New London, 75-77-152; Wes Buntenbach, Belmond-Klemme, 74-78-152.