Gast ties for 20th at state golf tournament

Nevada Daily Mail

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Showing vast improvement in his second trip to the state golf tournament, Nevada sophomore Tyler Gast finished tied for 20th at Deer Lake Golf Course with a two-day total of 152 earlier this week.

Gast, who also qualified for state as a freshman, was 10 strokes off the pace through Tuesday's final round. The two-day tournament covered 36 holes at the par 71 course.

Last season Gast finished 97th, 27 strokes behind the leader with a two-day score of 177.

"He did a real good job," NHS golf coach Brian Leonard said. "Twentieth is nothing to be ashamed of."

Gast shot 4-over-par 75 on Monday in the first round on a day with near perfect conditions.

Tuesday the golfers had to battle a two-hour rain delay in the middle of their round, and rough weather conditions toward the end. Gast still managed a 77 on the second day, finishing two strokes from a state medal. The top 15 golfers in the state place and earn all-state honors.

"Monday was perfect, but Tuesday kind of tested their mental game," Leonard said.

The coach applauded Gast's ability to keep an even keel despite the obstacles on Tuesday.

"You can't tell if he's shooting a 65 or an 85, he has that kind of temperament and that's what makes a good golfer," he said.

Gast was Nevada's only golfer to qualify for the state tournament for the second consecutive season.

Private school Priory won the Class 3 team competition, finishing the tournament with a 293-290--583. Pembroke Hill, another private school, was second at 296-314--610.

Webb City, which won the district Nevada is in, finished third overall with a 315-298--613.

Carthage finished ninth at 328-327--655.

Derek Baade of Savannah, Michael Kleffner Jr. of Priory and Matt Miller of Eldon tied for medallist honors with a 142.