Titans claim team title, Newborg claims individual honors

After placing third last year at Regions, the Tea Area High School golf team came out strong during a cold, blustery day on Monday, Sept. 28, claiming the 2A Region Title.

Not only did the Titans claim the team championship but after birding the playoff hole, freshman Keeton Newborg claimed individual honors as well.

“I am not sure the last time a freshman won the region meet but Keeton is a competitor and thrives in situations like this,” said Titan head coach Jason Sudenga. “It seems like the worse the conditions, the better we play.”

The Titans battled through the conditions as Cooper Leslie, Newborg and Eric Munson all shot lower than their average scores.

“That was huge for the team,” said Sudenga. “When Eric eagled #16 that put us in the lead, then Keeton and Cooper both birdied the same hole.  After that, it was a matter of not making a big number coming in.”

Newborg finished with a 75 and birdied on the first playoff hole against Dakota Valley senior, Paul Bruns, to get the Region individual title. Munson shot a 76 on the day, finishing in third place. Leslie tied for seventh with an 81 on the day. Eddie Unruh finished with a 94.

“Eddie played very smart the last five holes and I was proud of the way he finished,” said Sudenga.

Derek Anderson shot a 100 for the Titans.

The 2020 State A Golf Tournament will be held at the Southern Hills Golf Course in Hot Springs on Oct. 5-6.

“State should be fun,” said Sudenga. “I think the course sets up well for us and we look forward to the challenge.”