As the son of a PGA golfer, Colby Sullivan has grown up in the sport and has big goals he wants to accomplish.
The McNary senior has a chance to reach one of them in the next couple of weeks: win a state championship.
“That was my goal last year,” Sullivan said. “I’m going to have to go one step at a time, but the overall goal is to win a state championship.”
Sullivan spent time as a caddy for his father, Chip, which helped him develop a passion for golf.
Sullivan moved from Virginia in March 2020, and his first season of golf for the Celtics came in 2021 during his sophomore year.
As a junior last season, Sullivan shot a 138 at the OSAA Class 6A state tournament to finish tied for fourth place.
“I gave myself a really good chance (to win a state championship),” Sullivan said.
This season, Sullivan has placed first in four consecutive Central Valley Conference tournaments, and now he’s set to play in the CVC championship tournament Monday and Tuesday at Mallard Creek Golf Course in Lebanon.
“He’s cool as a golfer. He doesn’t get bothered,” McNary coach Brad Lomax said. “He’s been playing golf forever.”
Sullivan, who has already signed to play college golf at Southeastern Louisiana University, said he enjoys high school golf and is motivated to win a state title for McNary.
“I’m really trying to take it all in during the last few weeks we have as a team,” Sullivan said. “I love my coaches, they’ve always been there for me.”
The OSAA Class 6A state tournament is set for May 15-16 at Emerald Valley Golf and Resort in Creswell.
“He wants that next level of winning a state championship. He’s motivated,” Lomax said. “He’s exciting to watch, especially when he gets on a roll.”
District golf tournament schedule
6A-Central Valley Conference: May 1-2 at Mallard Creek Golf Course in Lebanon.
5A-Mid-Willamette Conference: No district tournament.
4A/3A/2A/1A Special District 2: Boys — May 5-6 at Tokatee Golf Club. Girls — May 8-9 at McNary Golf Course, hosted by Blanchet.
Statesman Journal reporter Pete Martini covers college and high school sports. He can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on the Salem Statesman Journal: McNary golfer Colby Sullivan eyes state championship