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Friedrich wins silver at high school golf provincials

Sep 27, 2017 | 2:00 PM

For the first time in over a decade, a student from North Battleford Comprehensive High School has medalled at the Saskatchewan High School’s Athletic Association golf provincial championships.

That would be Grade 11 student Colby Friedrich, who won a silver medal in the male division after shooting a 153 this past weekend at TS & M Woodlawn Golf Course in Estevan.

“We are extremely proud of Colby for shooting two rounds good enough to earn a silver medal,” golf coach Andrew Sneddon said. “I have been able to take Colby to provincials for the past three years and have seen him grow in his skill and persistence in regards to all aspects of his golf game.”

Friedrich shot a 78 on the first day, which meant he was just outside the top five entering the final round. He improved to a 75 in that final round, which was the second-best total of anyone on day two.

His total of 153 was two strokes ahead of a trio of third-place finishers: Brody Istace from Kindersley, Jayden Dudas from Estevan, and Parker Noln-Ens from Warman, who all shot 155. Friedrich was five shots back of gold medal winner Jace Carlisle.

Sneddon said conditions were tough on Friday because it rained on and off throughout the day.

“Over the course of the two days, Colby was consistent in his shot decision making,” Sneddon said. “Saturday brought better conditions [than Friday] and a better round of golf. He had a degree of familiarity with the course having played there in the past.”

The 15-year-old is also no stranger to winning hardware.

He won Golf Saskatchewan’s Junior Order of Merit in 2016 when he finished the tour season with the most points among junior boys under age 15.

This year, he had to move up from the U-15 division to the U-19 division and still finished 11th out of 91 golfers on the U-19 tour, collecting over 1,000 points. He was one of just three boys 15 or younger to finish in the top-25.

Friedrich also finished first in Canada for Order of Merit points for 2017 on the Maple Leaf Junior Tour juvenile boys division, earning an invitation to MJT Nationals in Florida.

Also finishing in the top-10 in the male division at provincials was Meadow Lake Carpenter High School’s Mason Gorski, who shot a 156, which was tied for sixth.

 

nathan.kanter@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @NathanKanter11