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Steamboat Invitational golf tournament

Steamboat Springs — Brandon Martin didn’t see a putt he didn’t like Thursday.

The Steamboat Springs High School golfer had 23 putts en route to a career-best and low medalist honors at Haymaker Golf Course.

Martin shot a 4-under-par, 68, besting his previous low by four strokes.

“Everything worked today,” said Martin, who has to be considered one of the hottest golfers on the Western Slope, winning his past two tournaments and three on the year.

Erik Sobeck shot a 76, Andrew Firestone shot 77, Sam Scheer shot 79, and Sam Samlowski shot 85.

Steamboat and Vail Christian School tied with a team score of 221. Vail Christian won a three-hole playoff to take home top honors.

Still, Thursday belonged to Martin. He birdied Nos. 7, 8, 12 and 18 on his way to a career day.

“It started last week” in Craig, Martin said. “My confidence is pretty high right now.”

Now Steamboat turns its attention to Tuesday’s regional tournament at Conquistador Golf Course in Cortez. In the do or die one-day event, the Sailors have to be considered among the favorites.

“Cortez will be tough,” Sobeck said. “Last time, they played really well. It is their course.”

In a late-August tournament in Cortez, Steamboat finished third with a team score of 230. Cortez won that day with a 221.

The team will leave Saturday to get a couple of looks at the course, and Monday is a scheduled practice round.

Despite the previous tournament, Sailors coach Steve Dodson said he’s only worried about his team.

“We never talk about numbers, other players or other teams,” he said. “We focus on the golf course. If you beat the golf course, the numbers fall into place.”

To reach Luke Graham, call 970-871-4229 or email lgraham@SteamboatToday.com