Written by Jack Manske
The Algona Amateur is a golf tournament for amateur golfers. Anyone can sign up for it, and it's hosted right here at Eagle Hills in Algona, Iowa. Each player is assigned with a small group of golfers. Golfers play 36 holes in total, 18 on a Saturday and 18 on a Sunday. After the first day, the clubhouse takes everyone's score and divides them into seven different flights: the champions flight, the presidents flight, and flights 1-5. The championship flight usually plays 27 holes on Sunday, but due to some weather delays this year, they only had time for 18 holes. Golfers who got 6th place or better in their flight got a cash reward.
AHS students Nathan Manske, Jack Manske, Teague Alesch, Micah Kitzinger, Gage Meints, and Jacob Burns all played in the Algona Amateur golf tournament this past summer. Nathan Manske shot 37 on the front 9 and 36 on the back 9. He qualified for the championship flight. He shot a 34 on the front 9 and a 36 on the back 9, finishing in 7th place in the championship flight.
Jack Manske shot a 40 on the front 9 and 43 on the back 9. He qualified for the 1st flight. On Sunday he shot a 44 on the front and a 38 on the back 9. He placed 14th in the 1st flight.
Jacob Burns shot a 45 on the front 9 and 44 on the back 9. He qualified for the third flight. On Sunday he shot a 38 on the front 9 and a 39 on the back 9. He placed 1st in the third flight. Burns said, “Never give up” in regards to his amazing bounce back the second day.
Gage Meints shot a 44 on the front 9 and 41 on the back. He qualified for the 2nd flight. On Sunday he shot a 42 on the front 9 and 42 on the back 9. He placed 12th in the 2nd flight. Mients said he was “pretty disappointed and could've done better” in regards to his performance in the tournament.
Micah Kitzinger shot a 41 on the front 9 and a 44 on the back 9. He qualified for the 2nd flight. He shot 39 on the front 9 and a 41 on the back 9. He placed 6th in the 2nd flight.
Teague Alesch shot a 47 on the front 9 and a 36 on the back 9. He qualified for the 1st flight after an amazing bounce back. Teague shot a 39 on the front 9 and a 39 on the back 9. He placed 7th in the 1st flight.
The Algona Bulldogs’ golf team looks forward to the 2027 golf season as they try to improve from last year and make it to State for the first time since 1992.