Golf: Ashby-Brandon-Evansville’s Traeton Nelson wins Quad County competition – Alexandria Echo Press

ALEXANDRIA — Traeton Nelson of Ashby-Brandon-Evansville led the field at the Quad County meet Monday at Alexandria Golf Club.

The freshman only took up golf three years ago, but he has already won just as many competitions, two this season, including Monday’s 6-shot victory when he carded a 77.

“I started working on (my game) a lot this year, and it just keeps getting better,” Nelson said. “My short game is probably my biggest strength, but it can always improve.”

Nelson regularly leads a Bolts boys team that includes many first-year players. The team finished fifth in Monday’s competition with a score of 406. Pillager won the competition with a 350.

“It’s a really fun team to be a part of,” Nelson said. “Sometimes I step in and try to give advice, but most of the time I just encourage them.”

“We talked about our goals,” ABE head coach Josh Lang said. “And for most, the goal is to come have fun with their friends, hit golf balls with their drivers and smash balls on the driving range – and I’m 100% on board with that. “I really just want it to be something that they will look back on in 10 years and consider it a positive experience.”

The Bolts only had seven golfers on their roster in 2023, but they are up to 19 this season.

“It put a little strain on us as coaches,” Lang said. “But sometimes taking athletes who have no experience can be really fun because that’s where you see the most improvement.”

Lang pointed to Nelson’s growth as an example with Breckin Zwilling placing 29th and shooting a personal best 106 for the boys.

On the girls side, Veronica Johnson led the Bolts with a 104, tied for sixth place.

“Veronica is a consistent performer,” Lang said. “I just encourage her to keep training. She’s super talented, and it’s amazing to see how far she’s come in the last year.”

The ABE girls finished third with a score of 352 and Ottertail Central won the competition with a 329. Aspen Beyer (Border West) led the individual scores with an 84.

As the team continues to improve, Lang is excited to continue raising the bar, but he also recognizes that golf can be a difficult sport, so teaching his athletes perseverance and emotional stability will be an important point – something they will carry with them beyond. The link.

ABE will be back in action at 1 p.m. on May 9 for a meet at Long Prairie.

Quad County Meet at Alexandria Golf Club

The CASC team, only in its third year, has also seen considerable growth in its golf program.

The team’s standout performance Monday came from Ayla Larson who placed fifth with a score of 95 to earn a medal and lead the Royals girls to a fourth-place finish.

“It was a course that features challenging greens with a lot more speed than we are used to,” said ACCS head coach Brett Larson. “And it was fun to see the kids handle it and stay on track, one shot at a time despite the difficult and windy conditions.”

Griffen Bugher was the only Royals representative in the boys’ category and placed 30th with a score of 112.

“This was only Griffen’s third varsity meet,” Coach Larson said. “And he’s lost almost 10 strokes every time he’s on the course. He’s learning and growing a lot. He also made a par (Monday), which he was really excited about.”

Larson added that the enthusiasm shared by each Royal has been one of the biggest blessings for his athletes this season.

“We have young kids who just love being part of a team,” Larson said. “They can’t wait to get together at the end of the day and be able to share the story of their tour.”

The Royals will return to the course at 1 p.m. on May 14 for a meet at Elbow Lake.

Quad County Meet at Alexandria Golf Club

The Mid-West Region girls golf team sent just two golfers to the Quad County competition on May 6, and both golfers placed in the top 10.

Miley Dewey placed fourth with a score of 93, and Macy Grosz tied for eighth with a score of 105.

WCA is scheduled to return to the course at 10 a.m. May 8 for a meet at Benson.