Andersen claims runner-up at State AA: Titans take 6th as a team

The Tea Area High School golf team captured sixth at State. Pictured from left to right, head coach Amber Olafson, Derek Andersen, Quentin Maag, Gavin Shawd, Carson Case, Brady Sabers, and Landon Baker. 

In their debut season competing in Class AA, the entire Tea Area High School golf team qualified for the 2024 SDHSAA State Class AA Golf Tournament. The team, consisting of Derek Andersen, Brady Sabers, Quentin Maag, Landon Baker, Gavin Shawd, and Carson Case, all met the season scoring average qualification of 93 or below, securing their spots at the prestigious event. This season was Tea Area’s first in Class AA, after joining the Eastern South Dakota (ESD) conference and moving up a class this fall.

State competition was held Monday, October 7, and Tuesday, October 8, in Watertown, where Tea Area golfers made their mark among the state’s best.

Derek Andersen led the charge for the Titans, coming off a hot streak after placing second at the ESD Conference with a stellar round of 75. 

At the State Tournament, Andersen continued his impressive run. After the first day of competition, Andersen found himself ready to contend for a State title, sitting in second place with a score of 69. Andersen had a fantastic day shooting 34 on the front nine and 35 on the back, recording seven birdies in the round. 

On day two, Andersen’s day was highlighted with an eagle and after four more birdies in the round, Andersen finished with a 67 (33, 34) to tie for first place with Watertown’s Ty Lenards. 

Lenards, playing on his home course, and Andersen, competing for the first time in Class AA, both headed to Red No. 1 to begin the individual playoff.

Both Andersen and Lenards found themselves with short approach shots on the par 5-hole. Andersen rolled by the hole, leaving him with a lengthy birdie putt.  Lenards approach stopped just 3-1/2 feet from the hole, and after Andersen missed, Lenards was able to sink the putt for the win, giving Andersen runner-up honors in the State Tournament and Lenards the title.  

Andersen also earned All Tournament team honors for his performance at State. 

Also competing for the Titans were Brady Sabers who finished tied for 31st, Quentin Maag who finished tied for 44th, Landon Baker who finished tied for 65th, Carson Case who finished tied for 95th, and Gavin Shawd who finished 99th. 

Sabers shot a 77 on day one with a 37 and a 40. He had three birdies on the day. On the second day of competition Sabers shot a 78 (39, 39). Maag shot a 79 on day one (39, 40) and an 80 on day two (39, 41). Baker shot an 82 on day one (41, 41) and an 82 on day two (43, 39). Case finsihed with an 88 on both days and Shawd a 89 on day one and a 91 on day two. 

As a team the Titans took sixth place among the 18 full teams competing.