Back nine birdies help Currie finish 12th at state golf

RATHDRUM — Sandpoint senior Conner Currie broke 80 for the second time in his last three rounds, making a sizable move on the field on the second and final day of the 4A state golf championships Tuesday at Twin Lake Village Golf Course.

Currie carded a 79, one of only five boys from a field of more than 50 golfers from around the state to break 80, giving him a two-day score of 165, good enough for 12th place overall.

“He moved up 14 positions, just kind of leapfrogged right up the leaderboard,” said head coach Jim Alsager, adding that Currie peaked at the right time. “It’s a nice way for him to finish as a senior. Again, he played the same ball with no penalties.”

The seven stroke difference between the two rounds was due in part to a stronger short game, as he was able to keep the ball in play throughout the tournament.

“My putter was working a little better today and I hit a lot of greens in regulation,” said Currie, adding the biggest highlight of the day. “I made two birdies on the back in the rain.”

The Bishop Kelly boys (641) and Moscow girls (695) claimed state titles and Taylor Schmidt of Bishop Kelly won medalist in the boys tournament with a 149, while Middleton’s Cali Happ shot a 147 to earn girls medalist.