Despite Rain, Baker Finishes in The Top 20

LAKEWOOD - WP's lone golfer Dakota Baker made it to the state competition in Lakewood on May 22 and 23 and despite pouring rain and tough competition he placed 16th overall.

Baker tied with Colfax golfer Hunter Weitze with 176 points total.

In the first round, Baker shot a 92 and in the second round he improved considerably and shot an 84.

Baker has been playing and practicing alongside the DeSales golf team all year. DeSales won the overall state golf competition, but DeSales coach Lon Olson said he is proud of Baker's achievements.

"He and the rest of the DeSales kids did a darn good job under the conditions," Olson said.

Those conditions included intense rain and tough competitors vying for the top spots.

"There were a few holes where there was an absolute downpour," Olson added.

Even though Baker placed higher at state last year, earning 13th place, Olson said Baker showed considerable improvement from the first round at state to the second one, with an eight-stroke difference in the games.

Olson said Baker hadn't performed as well this year as last year possibly because he had been experimenting with his golf swing and that may have caused some problems for him. But, he still has plenty to be proud of.

"He improved more than (the DeSales) kids," Olson said about Baker's performance the second day of state. "He did a great job hanging in there all season long."

Baker is just finishing up his junior year in Waitsburg. If Dayton has a golf team next year Baker has previously said he would play alongside the Bulldogs again as he did his sophomore year. But if not, he will likely return to DeSales again for the third season.

And Olson would be happy to have him return.

"He can still hit the ball a mile," Olson said with a laugh. "I'm sure he's going to work harder this summer."

State Golf

Tournament

May 22 & 23

Dakota Baker

First Day - 92

Second Day - 84

Total - 176

Tied For 16th

With Colfax

Golfer Hunter

Weitze