Hannibal’s Thomas sits tied for 12th, ready to chase another state golf title in second round

NEW BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — Quinn Thomas’ pursuit of successfully defending his Class 4 boys state golf championship hit a snag on the closing holes of Monday’s opening round.

But he’s not out of the hunt.

Thomas, a Hannibal sophomore, strung together three birdies over a five-hole span in the middle of his round at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club to get back to even par and was sitting one shot off the lead at the time. But he played the final five holes in 5-over and sits tied for 12th in the 83-player field at 5-over 77.

Bolivar’s Aidan Ashby is the first-round leader, posting a 1-over 73.

Last year, Thomas was in second place after the opening round when he posted a 72. He shot a 74 in the second round and fended off a comeback from several players, including two who improved by eight and 10 strokes, respectively.

Thomas will tee off from the first hole at 9:21 a.m. Tuesday.

Hays, Lochman chasing top-20 finishes

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Monroe City’s Kyle Hays and Palmyra’s Laydin Lochman are positioned to challenge for a top-20 finish at the Class 2 boys state golf tournament at Columbia Country Club.

Hays and Lochman both shot 16-over 87 on Monday and are tied for 21st in the 81-player field. Hays struggled on the front nine, but posted a 39 on the back. Lochman also played the back nine more consistently, posting a 40.

Palmyra’s Jonas Janes is tied for 57th at 99.

Hermann’s Trigg Lindahl leads the field after shooting a 1-under 70. Barstow’s Tyler McNeive is second at 4-over 75 and defending champion Brayden Buffington of Bowling Green is third at 6-over 77. South Shelby’s Casen Glover is tied for seventh at 11-over 82.

Tigers’ Biggerstaff in range of top 10

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Canton sophomore Trevor Biggerstaff is in position to chase a top-10 finish at the Class 1 boys state golf tournament at Rivercut Golf Course. Biggerstaff opened Monday with a 14-over 86, shooting 43 on both nines, and sits tied for 20th.

Biggerstaff is just three strokes out of the top 10 in the 84-player field. Columbia Independent’s Joseph Devoy and Salisbury’s Elliott Hayward are tied for the lead at 6-over 78.