New Tournament Record Set as Near-Course Record Made at American Dunes
Corporal B High School Invitational won by Harris Hoekwater of GR South Christian
By Tom Lang
GRAND HAVEN – Harris Hoekwater, a junior at Grand Rapids South Christian, fired 7–under par – including birdies on all the par 5s – to win medalist at the high school tournament at American Dunes called the Corporal B.
His 65 was one shot short of the course record 64, shot at the American Dunes Collegiate.
Hoekwater’s 65 was also a new tournament record, as no prep golfer had bested 71 in the prior three years of the event.
“I feel like I hit it everywhere I wanted to. I had a lot of fairways and greens and two putts, and got around the course pretty easy.”
His squadron came up just two strokes short of taking the team title – which was won by Novi Detroit Catholic Central with a 296. South Christian scored 298, followed by Grand Rapids Christian at 300, and Hartland at 303. Jackson Lumen Christi placed 5th at 308, despite being a much smaller Div. 3 school.
“We had it rolling from the start, but came up a little short at the end. We had a good day overall,” Hoekwater said of the team lead that evaporated late.
“We really wanted to win this event, and I checked the leaderboard a little bit throughout the round,” said DCC captain Collin Davis, who led the Shamrocks with a 70, to finish in a 3-way individual tie for runner up with Brandon Kulka of Lumen Christi, and Sawyer O’Grady of Grand Rapids Christian.
“I saw we were a few shots behind and even going into the last few holes we were like 8 back. But I knew with a couple birdies you never know what could happen in a couple holes, since four scores count. So, I’m super proud of the boys. It wasn’t just me out there. Everybody got busy today.
“I always knew we were going to have a shot because we’ve got a lot of good players or our team. We’ve got four senior captains leading the charge that are back from last year.”
The purpose of the tournament, like all golf that is played at American Dunes, is for the young men to do more than golf, but to pay tribute to those who have died serving our country. American Dunes is the birthplace of the Folds of Honor, which gives scholarships to family members who have lost someone in service.
Both Hoekwater and Davis felt that draw while playing on Friday, April 24.
“I think it’s awesome what they do here. I love our country,” Hoekwater said. “I think it’s worthwhile having a tournament like this. I think everyone enjoys it and this course is just a great place for it. Love it here.”
Davis added: “I think it’s so special here. Everything around here is about America, it’s for those who served for us. We’re lucky enough to play this game and being here puts it into perspective, that golf really does come second and we’re so lucky to play this game. We’re lucky for those who sacrificed for us to give us this luxury. It’s really awesome.”
Detroit Catholic Central came into the event ranked No. 3 in Division 1 but will likely jump to No. 1 next week. Lumen Christi is No. 1 in Div. 3
Hartland could make a big jump after coming in honorable mention in Div. 1, but finishing 4th at American Dunes against the stacked field.
