McDonnell medals for Bulldogs at Idaho 4A state golf tournament

IDAHO FALLS — Nina McDonnell carded a 91 on Tuesday for a two-day total of 178 (87-91), but more importantly, a ninth place overall finish and state medal at the 4A state golf tournament at Pinecrest Golf Course in Idaho Falls.

With cold and windy conditions, scores were up across the board on the second day, and McDonnell played well enough to crack the top 10 individually and fulfill her goal with a state medal.

Bulldogs head coach Tom Tharp said he couldn’t remember the last Bulldog golfer to medal at state.

“Somebody finally medaled at state, it’s been a long time,” he said. “It’s a big deal, and a really nice thing for her. It (91) wasn’t that bad, everybody’s scores were higher. There was a lot of wind, and it was a lot colder.”

Damien Fitzpatrick was 11 strokes higher than Monday’s opener, finishing with a two-day total of 173 (81-92) and gaining valuable state experience. The junior will lead an experienced Bulldog boys team next season, when state will be held at The Idaho Club, which should favor the Bulldogs.

Like many on Tuesday, Fitzpatrick found trouble and paid for it.

“He had a couple really bad holes. He pulled the ball out of bounds on hole No. 2,” said Tharp. “He finished strong and almost had a birdie on 18.”

n Stevens wraps up state with 107

Clark Fork sophomore once again carded a 107 to finish the 2A state golf tournament with a score of 214 on Tuesday in Rigby.

The three sport athlete had a tough spring, as far as getting much practice time, but was able to qualify for state for the second time, representing the Wampus Cat golf team at state.

“I thought she had a pretty good state tournament this year,” said Cats head golf coach Brian Arthun. “After her second appearance in the state tournament, with two years left, I see big things in her in the future.”