HESSTON — Larned High School’s Brittany Skelton highlighted a 97 with a birdie at Monday’s Class 4A State Tournament at Hesston Golf Park.
Skelton dropped a 3-foot birdie at No. 15 after hitting a 7-iron approach from 140 yards.
The junior played up-and-down, but she’ll remember her birdie in her third consecutive state appearance. She finished her final four holes 1-over-par and parred her final two holes.
Weather conditions were ideal with 80-degree temperatures accompanied by light winds. Hesston Golf Park was in superb playing condition.
“It was nice to get a birdie at state because I got one at regionals too,” she said. “I definitely played way better at state this year.  
“Everyone has been positive and has helped me out.”
Larned coach Toni Novotny said Skelton had a difficult time adjusting to the speedy Hesston greens, which are much larger with slopes that she wasn’t accustomed to.
“Brittany’s short game and putting touch hurt her on the front nine, but she did a much better job on the back nine,” Novotny said. “We’re not used to these big greens. She had longer putts with much more break. But she did a lot better on the back nine.”
Notovny said the strong finish will give Skelton incentive to qualify for state four consecutive years.
“It’s a great experience for Brittany,” Notovny said. “Brittany carded a birdie and several pars. We’re very proud she played as well as she did.”
Buhler defended its state golf championship with a 360 team total that edged Winfield by four strokes. Girard’s Timbrelee McNair beat Coffeyville’s Anna Pool in a playoff for medalist honors after they tied with 1-over-par 72s. Buhler’s Taryn Torgeson placed third with a 74.