On June 1st, Hillsview Golf Course in Pierre will play host to a high school golf extravaganza, which will give graduating seniors an opportunity to play amongst each other one final time. The state golf tournaments for ‘B’ boys and all three girls’ classes was originally slated for June 1-2, but with the recent pandemic, all high school spring sports and activities were canceled.
While the ‘Senior Showcase’ won’t be the same as a state tournament, it’s still a way to give high school golfers in the state a small piece of closure.
“The senior showcase is just an opportunity to give at least the senior class, who won’t be coming back next year for another year of high school golf – we just wanted to give them an opportunity to get together, play for their school in their team colors, even if they’re not playing for a state championship,” explained Tom Jansa, O’Gorman girls golf coach and South Dakota Golf Association Executive Director.
This event will consist of 80 South Dakota senior athletes. Players will first be invited based on if they competed at the state golf championships last year. From there, other senior golfers in the state can register on a first come first serve basis. Golfers from Boys 'AA' and 'A' will not be invited to play, because those golf seasons took place in the fall. It's strictly for those seniors who weren't given the opportunity to have a final season at the high school level.
Even though the ‘Senior Showcase’ isn’t a sanctioned event by the South Dakota High School Activities Association, the organization still gave their clearance and blessings of allowing it to happen.
“I told them what we were thinking and asked [SDHSAA Assistant Executive Director John Krogstrand] if I could email the coaches directly and he was fine with that,” said Jansa. “They were certainly supportive and understanding, despite it being a non-sanctioned request.”
Because of social distancing policies, there won’t be an awards ceremony – mostly because award ceremonies consist of large crowds of people huddled closely together. The plan is to have a winner though, and score will be kept, but the main goal is to give kids the final opportunity to play amongst their fellow high school golfers.
