Hank Horned-Toad Rallies at State Golf Finals; Caliche Coyotes Golf Takes Runner-Up Team

CASA GRANDE LINKS— Two months after his district-clinching twelve-footer at Creosote Country Club, junior sensation Hank Horned-Toad—yes, the school allows the hyphen—trailed Mesquite Prep anchor Piper Plover by four strokes entering the back nine at state finals. Then the wind settled, the putts began to fall, and Hank birdied four of six to force a one-hole playoff the gallery will discuss until next March.

Plover, who nearly stole district honors with her own back-nine barrage in March, matched Hank’s nerve on the playoff hole until a capricious gust rearranged her ball marker and left her with a tester from the fringe. Hank two-putted for medalist honors; Plover hugged him anyway and called the stroke “rude, then righteous.”

Caliche’s team scoring held for runner-up medals despite Coach Mallard’s insistence on “course management and not trying to be television on the par fives.” Tournament director Mr. Coyote reminded galleries that cheering is encouraged “within the bounds of golf clap and Christian charity.” The snack bar sold out of iced tea; civilization endures.

Regionals plaque, state medal, one sun umbrella casualty. Not a bad spring for a kid who still does his homework in the cart.