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Trojan golfers compete at national invitational

By Cali Jones, 08/04/21, 1:15PM EDT

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Earlier this summer, Trojan golfers headed to Pinehurst to compete in the 2021 High School Golf National Invitational. The team placed 19th out of 46 teams.

Trojan boys head golf coach Dr. Kurt Hitzeman said competing in the tournament was an opportunity for the team to showcase its talent.

“This tournament is as close as you can get, I think, to a true National Championship for high school athletics,” said Hitzeman. “Not every team accepts the invite, but all who do are very highly-ranked each and every year. So, essentially, we feel like this is always our shot to show that we're the very best.”

The tournament, first played in 2019 with 300 boys and girls representing 43 states, is designed to showcase prep golfers at the highest level on a national scale. The event brings together the strongest and most diverse field in high school golf from large, small, public and private high school programs across the United States. 

Luke Pezold graduated in May, but still competed in the tournament. He said he had a great experience.

“It feels really good to have placed 19th out of 46 teams in the nation,” he said. “To know that we are competing at that high of a level is an honor.” 

Hitzeman said the goal for the team now is to win next year.

“Make no mistake about it — now that we've gone, the goal is to win it,” he said. “It will take a lot of hard work and dedication from the kids in this program, but next season will definitely be about continuing to succeed at the State level and moving on to Nationals. The expectations will be higher, but that's where they need to be.”