Kale Miller expected the Bob Blazer Hays High Invitational to be a grind for everyone.

So when the Liberal sophomore started 5-over par through his first seven holes at Smoky Hill Country Club, Miller knew he wasn’t out of contention.

“It was a struggle, to say the least,” Miller said. “The course was set up pretty hard, and the weather conditions weren't easy today. After the rough start, it was kind of a whirlwind of emotions, but I kept them under control and kept grinding.”

Miller’s composure paid off with his second tournament title of the year, carding a 6-over 77 to edge Hays’ Caleb Thompson by a stroke in windy conditions Monday in Hays.

Miller went 1-over over his final nine holes with two birdies to outlast a crowded group at the top of the leaderboard.

“I've learned to stay patient,” Miller said. “I know I'm a talented and skilled golfer. Once my swing gets in the slot, I'll catch up.”

Miller started his round on the par-3 No. 8 with a bogey, then double-bogeyed No. 10 and added another bogey on 11. He sank a 20-foot putt for par on No. 13 to stop the slide. 

“When the round was kind of going downhill, that kind of changed the whole momentum,” Miller said. “I did a big fist pump on that green. That kind of changed everything.”

Miller opened his season with a 75 to win the Salina Central Invitational at Salina Municipal Golf Course. He followed with a 78 at the Bishop Carroll Invitational at Rolling Hills Country Club and shot a 79 at the Newton Invitational before Monday’s win.

“I'm very happy with where I'm at right now,” Miller said. “I'm still just kind of ironing things out in my game. I feel like I'm still playing with my C game, and the fact that I can still win with my C game is huge.”
 

HAYS CAPTURES TEAM TITLE AT HOME TOURNEY

Monday’s Bob Blazer Hays High Invitational held special significance for longtime Hays coach Mark Watts.

“It was our 75th year for this tournament,” Watts said. “Bob Blazer was my coach, and that's why I named it after him when I took the job 37 years ago.

“So it was kind of important to me that we won this one.”

The Indians obliged, placing three in the top five and posting a team score of 323 to win the tournament by 14 strokes over second-place Dodge City.

Caleb Thompson led the Indians with a 78 to finish one shot back of winner Kale Miller. Hays’ Braiden Bickle and Trey Oakley were part of a four-way tie for fourth at 80.

Tradition-rich Hays High will look to get back to the 5A state tournament after missing out last season. The Indians are led by seniors Thompson, Bickle and Oakley.

“We have more experience compared to last year,” Watts said. “We kind of faltered at the end last year. We didn't play very well and didn't make it to state. These kids have taken that personally, and they worked hard over the summer. They're out every day, they like each other, and it's been a joy to be around these guys. I hope this success just keeps going because the WAC is pretty tough.”

Thompson’s bid to win the tournament was hurt by three straight bogeys on Nos. 14, 15 and 16, but he bounced back with pars on his final three holes.

“Caleb has worked very hard, and he wants to play in college,” Watts said. “He just had some bad holes, and in the past, he wouldn't have recovered as well. He did have some bounce-backs and refocused.

“Braiden, too. Braiden got hurt last year. He tore his pectoral muscle and wasn't able to play at regionals. And Trey's just an athlete.

“We have some good kids to build around.”

Dodge City’s runner-up showing was led by Jackson Taylor (tied for fourth, 80) and Ty Presley (eighth, 81).

Sacred Heart, which has captured 10 straight Class 2A state titles, took third with a 338, one shot behind Dodge City. Will Tuttle led the Knights with an 80 to tie for fourth.

OTHER WESTERN KANSAS GOLF STANDOUTS 

– Two-time reigning Class 1A state champion Gavin Wahl from South Gray has won each of his first three tournaments to start his senior season. Wahl opened with a 69 at the Holcomb Invitational at Buffalo Dunes, then carded a 69 at the South Central Invitational in Coldwater on April 10 and a 72 at the Hodgeman County Invitational at Cheyenne Hills Golf Course. South Gray also won all three tournaments as a team.

– Russell’s Jake Mooney won his second tournament of the season, recording a 75 to win the Larned Invitational at Edwards Park Golf Course. Mooney also won the Murphy Memorial Invitational, hosted by Hoisington on April 2 at Lake Barton Golf Club, with an 80, leading the Broncos to the team title. “He is a very consistent player and will be fighting for the Class 3A state championship,” Russell coach Brent Mooney said.

– Syracuse’s Charlie Keller won the Lakin Invitational on April 13 with a 77, leading the Bulldogs to the team title. Syracuse finished with a 342 to defeat Lakin by four strokes.

– Goodland’s Braylon Mull won the Cowboys’ home tournament with a 73 on April 14 at Sugar Hills Golf Club. Goodland also captured the team title with a 336.

– Phillipsburg’s Mason Laurin has won each of his first three tournaments. He shot a 79 at the Smith Center Invitational, a 73 at the Osborne Invitational and a 75 at the Plainville Invitational. WaKeeney-Trego won the team title at Plainville, and Hill City won at Osborne.