Finding his name near the top of the leaderboard has become the norm for M-CHS junior golfer Blake Keetch.
Even on the sport’s biggest stage.
Joining the top names in 3A boys golf at the state championships, Keetch played consistently over the 36-hole championship to earn 15th place. Rounds of 75 and 76 at Boulder Country Club landed Keetch his second consecutive Top 20 performance after a 19th-place finish in 2017.
“It was the best tournament he’s played all year,” said M-CHS golf coach Micah Rudosky. “He was really steady the whole tournament.”
Keetch’s 11-over par finish was all-the-more impressive given how Boulder Country Club dealt its fair share of challenges to the players. Only Kent Denver senior Jordan Klutznick finished under par over the two days, capturing the individual crown with a two-day total of 1-under par.
In spite of the difficult scoring, Rudosky felt as though the course provided a strong challenge to the competitors. “It’s a fair test for the whole field,” said Rudosky, “and the course was in excellent condition.”
Meanwhile, Keetch continues to methodically build his resume as a force heading into his senior campaign.
“Blake strikes the ball as well as anyone in the field,” said Rudosky. “He’s continuing to build confidence that will only allow him to keep getting better.”
Sophomore JJ Brunner made his maiden voyage in the tournament, finishing with rounds of 88 and 99, while gaining experience at the season’s culminating event.
“What a great season for JJ,” said Rudosky. “For him to get there and gain that experience, it’s exciting to think of what he’ll do the next two years.”
Aspen landed the team title, finishing 14-over par as a group to take their first state title in the sport.