Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — As it turns out, the Steamboat Springs High School golf team's biggest asset may be its depth.

A day after the team's first five players opened the season in Battlement Mesa, the next four golfers in line got a crack at the nine-hole Glenwood Springs Golf Club.

With tough greens and fairways that tend to slope downhill, Steamboat carded a team score of 245, good enough for second place. The Sailors finished 10 shots behind winner Battle Mountain.

"I was very pleased," Steamboat coach Scott Berry said. "They had a difficult start but settled down and righted the ship."

Sophomores Scott Ptach and Jace Hvambsal paced the Sailors on Friday. Ptach finished in fourth place with an 80, and Hvambsal shot an 81. Tyler Ostrom shot 84, and Ben VonThaden shot 101.

On Thursday, Steamboat finished in fifth with a score of 256, and based on Friday's scores, Berry said he expects the competition for the top varsity spots to heat up.

"What is encouraging is (that Friday) shows we have some good depth right now," Berry said. "It will be good competition for some of the varsity guys."

Berry said he was especially impressed with Ptach and Hvambsal, who were competing in their first high school tournament.

After a rocky start, Berry said both had the presence to compose themselves and finish the round strong.

"I was very happy with the way they played," Berry said. "They were very mature and methodical. Once they got the nerves worked out, they did a very good job."

With the first two tournaments of the season done, Berry said he knows what the Sailors need to focus on with a busy schedule ahead of them next week.

"We just need to get more comfortable," Berry said, noting the Sailors will be especially busy with four tournaments this week. "I think more than anything else we need to work from 100 yards and in. Mainly the wedge play, chipping and putting. It's always the short game."

Steamboat's next tournament is Monday in Grand Junction.