GOLF: Claremore boys take second at Miami Invite behind Dunlap, Williams

The Claremore boys golf team continues to show it belongs among the state’s contenders.

The Zebras turned in a strong performance Monday at the Miami Invitational, finishing second out of 16 teams at Peoria Ridge Golf Course with a team score of 325, trailing only tournament champion Poteau [316].

Claremore’s one-two punch of Tate Dunlap and Jack Williams once again paced the lineup, both finishing inside the top four of an 86-golfer field.

Dunlap carded a 73 to place third, and his round was defined by a blistering stretch on the front nine.

After opening with a bogey on the par-5 first, he settled in quickly with pars on Holes 2 and 3 before igniting his round. Dunlap birdied the par-4 third and delivered another on the par-3 fourth to jump well under par early. He added another birdie on No. 7 and made the turn at 1-under 35.

On the back nine, Dunlap stayed steady.

He opened with consecutive pars on Holes 10 and 11 before a bogey on No. 12. He responded with consistent play down the stretch, limiting damage and closing with a 38 on the back to secure his top-three finish.

Williams followed closely with a 75 to place fourth, putting together a round that featured flashes of brilliance, particularly on the back nine.

He played the front side in 38, recording pars on seven of nine holes while avoiding any major mistakes.

His round came alive after the turn.

Despite a tough start to the back nine that included a double bogey on 10 and 11, Williams bounced back with birdies on 14, 15 and 18, showing resilience and shot-making ability down the stretch.

He finished with a 37 on the back, using that late surge to lock in a top-five finish.

Claremore’s depth rounded out the scoring.

Blake McCuan placed 23rd with an 86, delivering a solid middle-of-the-lineup round, and Tristan Fuller added a 91 [38th] while Kavan Smith finished with a 92 [44th].

Verdigris also competed in the field, placing 11th with a 377.

Hunter Pope led the Cardinals with a 90 [37th], followed by Tate Roller [91], Jensen Underwood [95] and Charter Zeimet and Pierce Roller, who each shot 101.

Poteau's Garrison Whitworth won the individual title with a 71.

Claremore will return to action Tuesday at the Tahlequah Invitational at Cherokee Springs Golf Course.

GIRLS

On the girls side, Claremore competed Monday at the Bishop Kelley Invitational at LaFortune Park in Tulsa, finishing 10th out of 12 teams with a score of 411.

Brooklyn Babbitt led the Lady Zebras with a 93, placing 18th in a competitive 78-golfer field. She put together a steady round with consistent play across both nines to pace Claremore.

Ava Pettus followed with a 98 [30th], while Kate Merriman finished with a 101 [37th]. Harper Rooney rounded out the lineup with a 119.

Metro Christian captured the team title with a 322, while Tahlequah’s Kylie Fisher earned medalist honors with a 71.

The Claremore girls will look to build on the experience when they return to the course Monday at the Coweta Invitational at Indian Springs Country Club in Broken Arrow.