Regional Golf Championships Set to Showcase Local Talent

The upcoming regional golf championships on October 1, 2025, will bring together an array of schools vying for a chance to advance to the sectional level. The events will unfold at two venues: the Deer Park Golf Course in Oglesby for the Class 1A Ottawa Marquette Regional and Byron Hills Golf Course in Port Byron for the 1A Riverdale Regional.

Class 1A Ottawa Marquette Regional Overview

Participating schools in the Ottawa Marquette Regional include Hall, Henry-Senachwine, Princeton, Marquette, Putnam County, St. Bede, and Woodland, alongside other competitors such as Peoria Christian, Flanagan-Cornell, and Roanoke-Benson.

The defending regional champions, Hall, aim to secure another title against formidable opponents like Peoria Christian and St. Bede. “We faced Peoria Christian at the regional course and they beat us by a slim margin, 318-320,” said Hall coach Mason Kimberly. He expressed confidence that with focused practice, the team can enhance each player’s skills ahead of the postseason.

Hall’s top golfers include Joe Perez (40), Noah Plym (41), Johnni Escatel (42), and Luke Bryant (43). Last year, Hall finished fourth at sectionals, just shy of qualifying for state.

Princeton is making its return to Class 1A for the first time since 2010 when it previously won the regional championship. Coach Brandon Crawford noted, “We don’t have to win it. We have to get in the top 3. That works in our favor in 1A. I like our chances.” Senior Jackson Mason has been a standout for the Tigers, boasting the team’s best average of 37.2 over the past three years.

St. Bede’s golfers are also well-prepared, bringing momentum from their recent performance in the Tri-County Conference where three players finished in the top 10. Jacob Flavin and Zach Husser tied for sixth with scores of 81, while Gavin Lamboley secured ninth place with a score of 82.

The top three teams and ten individuals not on qualifying teams from this regional will advance to the Cambridge Sectional.

1A Riverdale Regional Insights

The Riverdale Regional will see local schools such as Amboy co-op, Bureau Valley, and Mendota competing alongside others like Alleman, Earlville, and Riverdale.

Bureau Valley senior Wyatt Novotny will represent the school as the only returning Bureau County state qualifier, having placed 23rd at the state meet last year. Novotny aims for a repeat appearance at state and is determined to make his final season memorable. He has already made headlines by carding a school record of 68 at the Lincoln Trail Conference Meet.

Mendota is transitioning from Class 2A to 1A this year, which could alter their competitive landscape.

As in the Ottawa Marquette Regional, the top three teams and ten individuals not on qualifying teams will advance from the Riverdale Regional to the Cambridge Sectional.

With both regionals showcasing significant talent and competitive spirit, October 1 promises to be an exciting day for local golf enthusiasts.