Strong response to bogey-filled start carries Blue Devils’ Gold to top-three finish, sectional berth

WOOD RIVER, Ill. — With things trending the wrong direction six holes into Wednesday’s Class 3A regional at Belk Park Golf Course, Gabriel Gold used a birdie to slingshot himself back into contention.

The Quincy High School senior golfer birdied the 555-yard, par-5 16th hole — the Blue Devils started on Belk Park’s back nine — and birdied two of the first four holes on the front nine to move to second place individually at the time.

He finished with a 1-over 73, taking third place individually and advancing to the Class 3A Pekin Sectional along with freshman teammate Ty Novosel.

The Blue Devils tied for fifth, posting a 324 total to match Collinsville and did not advance as a team. Edwardsville won the regional title with a 309, while Chatham Glenwood (311) and O’Fallon (313) also advanced to the sectional with top-three finishes.

Edwardsville junior Mason Lewis shot a 3-under 69 to earn individual medalist honors. Glenwood’s Bradyn Sayarth finished second at even-par 72, while Gold was third and O’Fallon’s Andrew Rottschalk and Collinsville’s Eli Verning tied for fourth at 2-over 74.

Novosel finished tied for 12th with an 8-over 80. QHS senior Sam Cory shot an 85, while sophomores Hunter St. Clair and Issa Geisendorfer both shot 86.