Bingham golfers working toward strong showing at state

By Billy Swartzfager | [email protected]

Bingham golfers faced the nasty weather at the state championship golf tournament on Oct. 3 and 4 at Soldier Hollow Golf Course in Midway in order to accomplish their annual goals and ultimately finish sixth in 5A, while junior Ethan Fowlks finished as the highest-placing Miner individually at seventh.

Bingham wanted to finish first in its region and make the cut as a team to swing the clubs on the second day of the state tournament. The Miners won the region title handily, beating out a competitive Cottonwood squad by a decent margin. They also shot a combined 305 and finished eighth on day one of the state tournament, high enough to bring all of their team to the second round of the biggest tournament of the year. 

Having accomplished their goals for the year, Bingham golfers playing together for a chance at a state title on that second day was a highlight for the team and head coach Jim Applegate.

“Watching them accomplish their goals and their performance at state was amazing to see and be a part of,” Applegate said.

The team was led by seniors, Ashton Robb and Josh Brereton, who were the squad’s No. 1 and No. 2 golfers all season long and added a lot of leadership of the course as well.  Robb shot a 77 and a 73 at state, while Brereton contributed a 78 and 71. Junior Nick Anderson added a 79 and 76, while Fowlks shot a tough 71 in icy winds, snow and rain on the first day of the tourney. He followed that with a team low of 69 on day two.

“It was so cold on that first day, but he was so dialed in,” said Ethan Fowlks mother, Kristen Fowlks. “I haven’t seen him play that well before.”

The Miners spent a significant amount of time during the season sharpening their mental game and working on that aspect of preparation for situations just like the brutal weather conditions they played under at Soldier Hollow. 

“We were delayed due to the weather,” Ethan Fowlks said. “The wind was really cold; I had to adjust by focusing on my mental game.” 

Bingham shot a 289 together the second day of the tournament, good enough to tie for sixth in Class 5A. The Miners focused on their goals, both individually and collectively, throughout the season. They bonded as a team and supported one another through slumps and cheered each other during victories. Their practice paid off, particularly the mental aspect.

“It was fun to see how they supported each other,” Kristen Fowlks said. “They do a lot of mental training, and we saw it all come together at state.”

In addition to placing in the top 10 as a team at state, individual accolades were also recently received. Ethan Fowlks was named to the Utah PGA’s 2016–17 All State Second Team.  Ashton Robb and Josh Brereton were given 2016–17 All State Honorable Mention nods.  

“The team made excellent progress. This has been huge for us,” Ethan Fowlks said

Bingham had a great season on the links. The team worked hard throughout the fall to enhance their game and to create an atmosphere that encourages success. They met their goals, maybe even exceeded some and had a great time doing it.

“Being there with these kids, day in and day out, has been a lot of fun,” Applegate said, “It has been great watching them grow up and really fun to watch them play well.”