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High school golf: Syracuse wins 5A golf title

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Anonymous | 8:48 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
What an amazing advantage it would be to have the State Course in your own backyard. It's great to be able to travel there to play it, but look over the history of Utah State Golf, and look at the predominance of teams with a closeness to the State Course doing well in the tourney.

No giping . . just an interesting fact. Not much you can do about it.
The 4-A and 5-A | 9:16 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
should play at Soldier's Hollow or Wasatch. The players would be familiar with that course but it isn't a home course for any of the teams in that classification.
You two above.... | 9:49 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
need to stop complaining. Any golfer no matter the course should be able to adjust after a practice round and all the times they play there in the jr. circuit. They played Soldier Hollow last year and Wasatch is not a tournament venue for State. Valley View is the best public course in Utah, hands down. The real golfers stand out there.
Comments continue below
Congratulations, Lone Peak | 10:38 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
You guys played great! Great job, Coach Nordick. We're proud of our Knights!
Anonymous | 7:15 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
I played with Brandon on the final day and he didn't win because he knew the golf course any better than the other players. He won because he played better. He would have won no matter where the tournament was played.
Excuses Excuses | 7:23 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Isn't it amazing how the defeated has to make excuses??? WOW!!!! Congrats to the Syracuse!!!! When a school can win by 13 shots, they could have played on the moon and it wouldn't have mattered.
Anon | 8:12 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Closeness of course??? Look at Dixie High. They are going for their 5th in a row and 7 out of the last 8 and only one was in St George! Doesn't matter where you play you still have to play the course!! GO FLYERS!!!
Soldier Hollow | 9:18 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Last year 4-A state was held at Soldier Hollow and the conditions were miserable and not conducive to ANYONE's golf game. The wind was awful, it was raining/snowing both days, and the temperature was miserable (individual champion shot 149.) The best golfers did not succeed last year, the ones that hit line drives from the tee box succeeded. I don't know if it is worth it to gamble with the weather.
The one thing I do think needs to be changed is this, why should anyone be golfing on their home course for the state championship? Why not go to a 4-A home venue. Yes, local players might have played there, but it isn't the school's home course.
Golf | 10:42 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Valley View is Northridge's home coarse, The region played there once this year, You guys talking about the home coarse all full of it. Region 1 this year was the toughest region in golf, all there region play prepared them for the state, Freemont and Syracuse were battling all year long. COngrads to Syracuse and the other region 1 teams, they would have won it at any coarse in the country.
Soldier Hollow 2 | 11:15 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Soldier Hollow in my opinion is a great venue for the state High School Championship but only if they would play the tees back. But by putting the tees up, the silver course at soldier hollow plays like Glendale, and your average high school golfer can post a good score. I think its interesting to see the scores in the UJGA are always 5-10 shots higher than the high school scores. The main reason being......high school golf plays 5800 to 6500 yards. UJGA plays 6500-7300 yards!!! But at the end of the day, the the best junior golfers in the state 5A were in the top 15 when the dust settled.
Be Proud | 11:26 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
I'm familiar with every junior in the state, and every team. This year, the best team truly won. The team that played the best and the team with the most talent. Keep in mind that three of this kids were on the team that took second three years ago. Don't you think they've improved? Syracuse should be proud. You guys played like champions, and you are champions.
Anonymous | 12:04 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
What a great win for Syracuse! Their very first "State Championship" Ever. These are great kids, and they are ALL friends. I've witnessed the best sportsmanship watching these boys play. They truely cheer for each other and are happy for each other, not just on their team, but they are friends with the boys on the other teams. To say any of these kids had a "Home course advantage" is ridiculous!
Golf | 12:25 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Patrick Fishburn is by far the best golfer in the state!!!!!!!
Parents | 2:27 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
What was with that little confrontation between the Lone Peak parent and Fremont parent behind 18 green? I think the UHSAA should look in to that.
golf | 3:18 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
yeah Kida is amazing there is nothing you can do about it. I played in this and the greens and pin locations were the toughest i have ever seen them.
Re: Golf @12:25 | 3:36 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Patrick is an amazing golfer, but Obviously NOT the best in State. Brandon Kida won medalist. He's the best in the state!
Re: Soldier Hollow 2 | 5:41 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Quit being a sore loser, you need to show up at whatever course you plaY!!! And your right at the end of the day, the the best junior golfers in the STATE 5A were in the top 10 not 15.... when the dust settled and thats why there State Champions... CONGRATULATIONS SYRACUSE!
golf | 8:28 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
syracuse dominated!!!! thats all that needs to be said end of story!
anonymous | 8:41 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Syracuse did dominate that tournament. Hats off to them and Brandon Kida. I really enjoyed watching the top players in the state compete. I was really impressed with the Play of Patrick Fishburn. Does anyone know if he has committed to a college?
college golf | 9:03 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Yeah where do you think Fishburn, Kida, and Fotu will play..? Isn't Ogden going to BYU with the State Am Champion..? That will be a good team?
TOP JUNIORS | 9:27 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Fishburn, Purser, Kida, Parkinson, Ogden are the highest ranked juniors in the state! You put these kids on any course they will all finish in the top 10! Fishburn cant carry the load himself, Kida, the lone ranger medalist, shoots 67 and not a team member breaking 80! Parkinson and Fotu can't do it alone,.....Syracuse is lucky to have Ogden, Purser, Thomas and 3 other players that can break 80 under pressure. Going into the tournament, i picked Syracuse, Fremont, Skyline and Lone Peak. I thought Skyline would've performed better. For Fremont, Fishburn had no help, and all his team members choked. The young men of Syracuse were a class act. I dont know where the talent is coming from up there, but don't change anything!!! Next year is going to be another great year.....Fishburn, Kida, Purser returning.........battling it out from up north to seek the coveted medalist title that Kida owns! Thanks for a great year in the realm of junior/ high school golf.
Heading to BYU | 9:33 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Dixies Willey, Fishburn and maybe Ogden.
Anonymous | 10:30 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
I don't think one tourney decides who the best player in the state is. Don't really follow golf but everybody I know talks how fishburn is the best in the state but it doesn't really matter. Everybody Likes to see the underdog win once in a while. We all loved the movie hoosiers didn't we?
college commitments | 10:41 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Is it for sure that fishburn and ogden are heading to byu isn't fishburn a junior? what about kida will he play somewhere?
College | 10:57 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Yes, Fishburn is only a junior as well as Kida so nothing is probably for sure decided. Ogden would be the only one who could officially sign with BYU.
Top Dawgs | 11:00 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Region 1 breeds medalists... 2001 tie between (Davis) high teammates Clay Ogden / Daniel Summerhayes 2002-Dustin Pimm(Alta) 2003-Denny Job?(Fremont) 2004-Tyson Lund(Bingham) 2005- Ben Schillman (Layton) 2006-Jeff Jones (Weber) 2007-Nick Drost(Brighton) 2008-Garrett Fotu (Lone Peak) 2009-Brandon Kida(Layton)

Teams - 2001 1st(Davis)2nd(Fremont)3rd(Northridge) 2002-1st(Davis)2nd(Fremont)2003..? 2004-1st(Bingham)2nd(Weber) 2005-1st tie(Fremont)/(Weber) 2006-
2007-1st (Fremont)2nd(Syracuse) 2008-1st(Lone Peak)2nd(Fremont)3rd(Syracuse) 2009-1st(Syracuse)2nd(Lone peak)3rd(Fremont)
Weather Problems | 11:59 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
The weather is not traditionally not good in northern Utah in Oct. Why not go to St George for all the Golf State Tournaments and not have this issue. If the tourney would have been held at Soldier Hollow this year. It would have been canceled. 20 degrees on Monday and still cold not Tuesday.
Controversy | 12:08 a.m. Oct. 8, 2009
There was some real controversy at the first day of the tournament at Valleyview which some were concerned about. Lone Peak had only submitted 5 names to the PGA for tee times. When Lone Peaks number six name was submitted, he was put in a twosome with a golfer who shot over 120. Why would the PGA put a player from the defending state champs in that situation. After about 15 holes a rumor went around the course with the spectators that the Lone Peak #6 player was one under. Seemed like a great score for a #6 golfer in those weather conditions. someone went out to watch the group and the player went from one under to 4 over in the last few holes. The PGA made a real mistake there by even putting this player in a twosome where they were keeping each other's score. Lone Peaks #6 is a fine player and carded a good score on day two.
Fotu | 8:16 a.m. Oct. 8, 2009
Garrett Fotu has committed to the University of Minnesota already.
Anonymous | 1:53 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
Congrats Fotu! My brother played w your cousins Tony and Gipper and still stays in touch with them! Great play! Just ignor those guys who try to define who they are by talking like a garbage truck! You are better than them! Keep your head high!! Congrats on Univeristy of Minnesota!
Anonymous | 1:55 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
That thing with the lone peak dad was because he heard a player from another team swear on the course so he went up to the coach of the player and started chewing them out saying "you are a bad coach and a discrace to golf and your school"

and whoever said purser was one of the top in utah this high school season you would think he would show it in region right? he placed outside the top 5 overall. the top 5 went 1- brandon kida/patrick fishburn 3- cole ogden 4- ryan sarlo 5- cody wass 6- devon purser. one tournament doesnt mean everything patrick only finished 1 stroke of kida they are the best in state. too bad fremont couldnt play well at state, they played consistent all year and beat syracuse by alot in region
K Dizzle | 1:57 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
I think everyone needs to chill out! Nobody said that if you win the state championship your the best player in the state it just means that you played the best for two day 36 hole event. Congrats to Kida for winning medalist. there are 5 maybe 6 players every year that has a chance to win and Kida happened to play the best under the pressure.
Re: Anonymous & KDizzle | 4:16 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
Taking State is what it is "the best in the State" of all HS. Its the team that can show-up to the upmost pressure of beating everyone and the best in the "STATE". Per AllState standards it's your top ten and yes it does include Devon Purser and 3 others from "Syracuse".... STATE CHAMPION's, Get over yourselves....
ENOUGH SAID | 4:52 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
Fremonts Coach is a discrace to golf! She doesn't have enough guts to tell her player's what to do! She lets them walk all over her. Not to mention that she is Patrick Fishburns Sister and that her dad is really running the team! ENOUGH SAID!
Flyers are Best of State | 4:54 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
This article states that Syracuse is the best team in the state. Incorrect, Dixie posted a 577 to Syracuse 579. Too bad they weren't in the same division because that would have been a fun battle to see. Congrats to Syracuse and Dixie. Hands Down, the two best teams in state.
P.S. | 4:55 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
P.S. to EVERYONE! NONE OF THESE BOYS WILL PLAY ON THE PGA! THEY ARE GREAT PLAYERS.... BUT LETS COME DOWN TO REALITY! COLLEGE GOLF MABEY, PGA NO.....
Re: Anonymous | 5:18 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
Obviously you're a parent of a Fremont player. Sounds like you are frustrated that Fremont didn't take state. So its easy to cut down Lone Peak and blame one of their parents for your misfortune. Go back and read the comment on top juniors, it should help you understand it clearer. I didnt realize that Fremont actually beat Syracuse in Region, but i just found that to be true. Well it goes to show that real golfers show up when it matters.......Patrick Fishburn showed up for the battle but where were his teamates that were supposedly 4th and 5th in Region? Ryan Sarlo shoots 77 - 79 and Cody Wass shoot 74- 86? 86??? What happened here? Cole Ogden, and Devon Purser for Syracuse have consistently showed up at state as well as Joe Parkinson and Garett Fotu and thats why they have always been 1st team all staters since their freshman year. Golf is a game, and part of the game is accepting you can't win them all. I wanted Lone Peak to win, but I'm so greatful Syracuse won vs Fremont!! Way to go Syracuse!!!
Flyers | 5:20 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
Honestly you guys are good but did you really have any competition, come to 5A and see if you can post a 577???
Re Re: Anonymous | 5:31 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
That was obviously a Fremont parent.....what a class act!!!

After reading the TOP JUNIORS comment, i went and checked out the UJGA website....here is what i found for 2009 junior rankings in the state of Utah.
1-Fishburn
2-Purser
3-Kida
4-Parkinson
5-Ogden
6-Dearden
7-Fotu
8-Haws
9-Norseth
10-Jackson

20- Cody Wass
25- Ryan Sarlo

Now it makes sense why Cody Wass and Ryan Sarlo scored the way they did.

SPORTSMANSHIP | 6:43 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
I have played junior golf for 11 years. If the state gave an award for sportsmanship it should go to Adam Ostler of Cottonwood. I have seen him play for years and never lose his head. He is nice to everyone. Our coach even told us that he represents the game of golf and his school like a champ. Good luck Oster. -N
Who gets hot | 8:54 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
Golf is a sport of getting hot at the right time. If the tourney were played next week, there would probably have a different outcome. Congrats to Syracuse for having great timing. It was great to see Cole get rewarded for 4 years of hard work. Syracuse golfers work hard in the offseason and should be good next year too.
who are WE, really? | 11:25 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009
Dear Parents, reading some of the comments has been very sad. Let's not forget that all of these FINE young men know, love, and respect one another. They are great friends. Let us all be examples to them. Let's be proud of all the hard work that goes into making it to State. It is not always the score that is being posted that counts, its the respect that you teach your kids to withhold. I LOVE to sit on the 18th green and watch as each boy takes their hat off and shakes hands. WOW, lets always remember what really counts in life. May we be better parents than this..... Thank you! Remember these young boys are still in High School. Way to go ALL of you! Also remember great colleges want well-rounded young players, and some of the parents comments above may not get their boy(s) there. The State of Utah is proud of Syracuse. You are great young men. You showed great respect to all of your parents and friends this day. Keep up the great work.
Re: Enough Said | 11:59 a.m. Oct. 9, 2009
You are full of it. Tori is a good coach. She might get advise from her dad, but what coach doesnt. Fremont had an off day. It is not the coach's fault. You are probably a Fremont parent who is jealous.
Mark Heppler | 1:22 p.m. Oct. 9, 2009
"come to 5A and see if you can post a 577."Do they allow people to play defense in golf in 5A. There should be a 'think before you post" box that you have to click before you can enter a comment. But then, nobody would read them.
OHS TIGERS | 4:36 p.m. Oct. 9, 2009
Come On Everyone:
We all know that Syracuse, Fremont, Lone Peak, Dixie etc. all would have lost to the OHS TIGERS at EL MONTE or MT. OGDEN especially if MATT GODFREY was OHS coach.
UJGA results.... | 6:19 p.m. Oct. 9, 2009
From the UJGA website..... Way to go guys from the North.....North repeats as Challenge Cup champ

After two days of a seesaw battle for the Challenge Cup crown, the outcome came down to the last two matches at Sand Hollow Golf Course in Hurricane.

The Zions Bank Challenge Cup features a team of the best junior golfers from the north part of the state playing against the best juniors from the south part of Utah. matches in which teams played an alternate shot. .

The final two matches cemented the win, with the north posting 210.5 points while the south had 195.5.


Former UJGA Golfer | 10:03 a.m. Oct. 10, 2009
It is so sad to see golf enthusiasts stoop so low in these comments. Golf is a game of honor and this grouping of comments has dishonored the state high school golf ranks. The Deseret News should've cut these comments off a long time ago. But that would be non-journalistic to disallow abusive opinions. No wonder this country is being torn apart from within. I had heard from another reader how ugly this had gotten and out of curiosity had to read them for myself. I'm sorry I did - it's a disgrace to the boys high school golf efforts.
RE: Former UJGA Golfer | 12:10 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009
I totally agree!!!
RE: UJGA results | 10:22 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009
Keep in mind that in the North vs South event last week, the Southern team was comprised of kids as far north as Park City and Salt Lake. The northern team compiled kids from Bountiful to Logan. Way to represent fellas!

Lets put this one to bed and encourage ALL Utah Jr golfers to compete at the highest level with great integrity and not take it as serious as some parents who are trying to live through their kids.
Anonymous | 6:12 p.m. Oct. 11, 2009
Way to go Dallimore!

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Chen Wang, Deseret News

Layton High's Brandon Kida chips the ball out of the sand pit during the final round of 5A Boys State Tournament.

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