BOYS HIGH SCHOOL GOLF: Monahans stays consistent to win back-to-back state titles

The Monahans boys golf team spent Tuesday afternoon looking to take care of business and bring home some hardware.

The Loboes did do exactly that, firing a team-total of 301 to capture the program’s second consecutive state title Tuesday at the UIL Class 4A State Tournament at Plum Creek Golf Club in Kyle.

“I just saw our guys take it to another level of competitiveness, focus and all the other things you need to win a state championship,” Monahans coach Cameron Swarb said in a phone interview. “They came out today ready to play not just to hang on, but to go out and win and I couldn’t be any prouder of them.”

Senior J.T. Pittman closed out his high school career shooting a 1-over-par round of 72 and finished as the low golfer of the tournament for the Loboes, ending up in fifth place overall.

Just behind him was Bond Heflin (73-74—147), who finished in a tie for sixth with Tristan Nelson of Canton (74-73—147).

Nick Carnero (79-76—155) and Gavin Slade (84-79—163) both had rounds in the 70s while Alfonso Ruiz (81-84—165) rounded out the group.

Things got off to a late start Tuesday as the start of the final round was delayed due to inclement weather in the Austin area.

But for Pittman, being able to bring home another state title was a great way to cap off the year.

“It feels amazing,” Pittman said. “It’s crazy that it happened once, but to do it two years in a row is a dream come true.

“Having the lead gave us a lot of confidence that we could just go out there and have fun with it and do what we need to in order to play well.”

While the Loboes pulled away, the rest of the field was looking to find a way out of the opening day logjam as second place and 11th place were separated by a total of 13 shots entering the final round.

Andrews, which played in the final grouping with Gatesville, shot a 323 for a two-day total of 649. The Mustangs finished tied for fourth with Melissa (329-320—649) with Sebastian Ortiz (80-74—154) carding the low round for his team.

Argyle (329-299—628) finished as the runner-up, while Gatesville (323-316—639) finished third.

Seminole freshman Cason Johnson improved three strokes with a 75 to finish with a two-day total of 153.

Johnson finished 11 shots back of individual champion Jack Burke of Orange Little Cypress-Mauriceville (71-70—141).