Eftink in contention at state golf tourney, while Raiders, Chargers look to climb leaderboard

October 19, 2024 | By Muddy River Sports

Quincy Notre Dame junior golfer Beau Eftink chips out of the bunker during the first round of the Class 1A state tournament at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Ill. | Samantha Carmean photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Beau Eftink’s state title pursuit and the Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team’s trophy dash both will need a charge Saturday.

Eftink, the QND junior who finished second individually a year ago, finds himself tied for fifth in the Class 1A state tournament following Friday’s opening round at Prairie Vista Golf Course. Eftink shot a 2-over 74 and is four strokes off the pace set by Fulton’s Owen Vanzuiden, who was the only player in the field to break par with a 2-under 70.

The top 12 individuals are within six strokes of each other.

Meanwhile, the Raiders have more of a hill to climb to get into the top three as a team. QND posted a 324 and sits in sixth, 12 strokes off the podium. Fulton leads the pack after posting a 310 total, followed by Effingham St. Anthony Port Byron Riverdale at 312.

Illini West made the cut for the second day, tying Teutopolis for seventh at 328. The top eight teams made the cut for Saturday’s final round.

QND sophomores Olliver Hendrian, Grant Lepper and Harper Hough kept the Raiders in contention. Hendrian shot an 82, while Lepper and Hough both posted 84. Freshman Keeden Orpet-Hulett and junior Aiden Tangy each shot a 92.

Illini West freshman Nolan Murphy is tied for 18th after posting a 6-over 78. Chargers junior Wesley Robertson shot an 82, while senior Nick Bruns carded an 83 and freshman Bryson Grotts shot an 85. Brennan Grotts shot an 89 and Bryton Gavilett posted a 96.

Pittsfield sophomore Isaac McGlauchlen remains in contention for a medal as he opened with a 6-over 78 and is tied for 18th.

At the Class 3A state tournament at The Den at Fox Creek Golf Course, Quincy High School sophomore Ty Novosel is tied for 31st after shooting a 5-over 77. Novosel was 1-under through 13 holes, but a tough five-hole stretch to close his round knocked him down the leaderboard.

Still, he finds himself just three strokes out of the top 12. Evanston’s Kieran Low leads the field at 2-under 70.