Dragons take on nation’s longest course

Resurrection Christian went for the gold when scheduling its first annual invitational. The school booked the 18-hole RainDance Golf Club in Windsor, well known for being North America’s longest golf course at 8,400 yards.

The course, designed by PGA golfer Fred Funk, opened last year. As Holyoke girls golf coach Nick Flaa put it, the course is big, bold and “Funk-y.”

The course was a challenge to Dragon golfers Emma Thompson, Erin Andersen, Megan Walker and Rozlynn Crossland last Tuesday.

“Most of the courses we play throughout the season are pretty much straight forward and don’t necessarily penalize you for missed shots. RainDance however, tested everything that goes into the game,” Flaa said, adding it was very hot and everyone ended up with sunburns.

The tournament field, featuring 19 teams from across all CHSAA classes, was challenging was well. Thompson tied for 15th at the varsity-only invite.

The Dragons finished 11th as a team and Flaa pointed out that Holyoke beat all the teams from Ft. Morgan and east. 

“Berthod, Resurrection Christian and Severance took fifth, ninth, 10th respectively, they will most likely be at our regional,” Flaa continued. 

Thompson had a solid day, Flaa said, shooting 42 out and 43 in for an 85. Thompson shot par on six holes and birdied one.

Andersen shot 48 both out and in. Flaa said it was a great bounce back from the seasoning-opening Wray Invite the day before. 

“She found some confidence off the tee box and played some solid shots into the greens. Her chipping has improved greatly early this season and she put together some nice runs out there,” Flaa said.

 Walker, in her second varsity tournament, is starting to figure it out, Flaa said.

“Her course management has been solid and she’s been getting off the tee box well enough, we just need to find some consistency on the approaches and clean it up around the greens,” he added. 

“Crossland played her first 18 holes and what a course to do it on. Her chipping/pitching game is her strength right now and we look to improve some ball striking going forward,” Flaa explained.

Abby Aeschelman of Class 5A Mountain Vista won the invite, finishing three under par at 69.

Flaa said the course tested the physical endurance of all the players. 

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