Ankeny Centennial’s Jack Winkel has put himself in position to win the Class 4A boys’ state golf title on Saturday at Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls.
The senior carded a 3-under-par 69 in Friday’s opening round and is tied for the lead with four other golfers–Cale Leonard of Ottumwa, Tanner Dinnebier of Waukee, and Owen Sawyer and Maxwell Tjoa of Cedar Falls.
Two other golfers, Nathan Spear of Burlington and Nathan Tillman of Pleasant Valley, are just one shot back.
“I had a slow start early this morning on the greens with a couple three-putts on my first nine (holes),” said Winkel. “On my next nine I found some rhythm and hit a few close and made a couple good putts.”
Winkel started his round on No. 10 and three-putted for a bogey. But he nearly holed a chip shot on No. 11 and had an easy tap-in for birdie.
Winkel had a bogey on No. 13 and then followed with five consecutive pars. He shot a 1-over 37 on the back nine.
Winkel then fired a 4-under 32 on the front nine. He made four straight birdies on No. 1-4 and later had another birdie on No. 7.
“He had two three-putts as well as lipping out a five-foot putt for birdie on his last hole,” said Centennial coach Rick Fee. “Overall, he played great and avoided hazards and penalties. He kept his cool around the course even after having four birdies in a row to start his (second nine). He is ready for Saturday’s round, and I can’t wait to see how he performs.”
Cedar Falls leads the team race with a 295 total. Waukee, the three-time defending champion, is in second at 304.
Saturday’s final round will begin at 9 a.m.
“I feel good where I’m at going in to (Saturday), but it’s anyone’s game,” Winkel said.