FRANKENMUTH ― Kole Putnam’s golf career in Gaylord has been the epitome of consistency.
The Class of 2023 member has used his incredibly consistent golf game to be one of the top players in not just Northern Michigan, but the entire state of Michigan the past two seasons. He had one last chance to prove that fact this past weekend at the Division 2 state finals at the Fortress in Frankenmuth from Friday, June 9 to Saturday, June 10.
‘Mr. Consistent’ showed off what he could do one final time, tying for third-place overall in the individual standings with a total score of 144 over two rounds on Friday and Saturday to wrap up his incredible high school career.
“Wow, what a wonderful finish to his high school career,” Gaylord head coach Tom Johnson said. “He was one of the most dedicated players that I have ever had. He played all over the country this past winter into the spring while still maintaining a 4.09 GPA. It was so nice to see a young person being rewarded for his effort. It put a smile on our faces to see him compete against some of the best players in the state and finish with his highest individual finish ever at the state finals.”
Putnam finished day one with a score of 73 strokes, good for one-over par and a tie for sixth place. It was a fine start to his weekend for sure, but some missed putts left Putnam wishing he could have done more.
Still, according to Johnson, his maturity and experience showed in how he responded.
“He missed eight 10 to 12-foot putts on day one,” said Johnson. “He was frustrated, but did what all the really good players do; after a bite to eat, he went back to the putting practice green and worked out some kinks.”
Day two started slowly for him as well as he spent the first 12 holes sitting at one-over par again. From there, however, Putnam responded and put on his best display of golf yet, going three under par on the final six holes for a total score of 71 strokes, making him one of two golfers to shoot under par on the final day.
His score of 144 left him tied for third with Stevensville Lakeshore’s Jacob Marohn and just behind the state champion, Brother Rice’s Lorenzo Pinili (134), and the runner-up, Flint Powers Catholic’s Robert Burns (141).
This is Putnam’s best overall finish at the state finals after finishing tied for fifth at last year’s finals in Allendale.
With his high school career now over, Putnam will move on to Ferris State in Big Rapids, Mich. to join the Bulldogs golf program.
His now former coach thinks the Bulldogs should be happy with the level of players they are getting.
“The Gaylord golf team members and coaches wish him the very best with his future team, the Ferris State Bulldogs. They are getting a gem for their team,” said Johnson.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Kole Putnam wraps his Gaylord golf career with third-place finish at MHSAA D2 state finals