The Hastings Raiders boys varsity golf team put together a strong week with two competitive showings in a pair of high-level meets. On April 29, they teed off at Highland National in a stacked Metro East Conference match, finishing third behind powerhouse programs Mahtomedi and St. Thomas Academy. A few days later, the Raiders traveled to Morton for the prestigious Dacotah Ridge Invite, where they placed seventh against some of the top teams in the state.
At Highland National, the Raiders proved their consistency, carding a team score of 301 to take third in the conference match. Mahtomedi topped the leaderboard with a three-over 291, while St. Thomas Academy followed close behind at 294. Hastings’ third-place finish put them well ahead of the rest of the conference field, including Two Rivers (307), Hill-Murray (310), and Simley (313).
Leading the way for Hastings was sophomore David Bauer, who fired an impressive even-par 72 to finish third overall in the individual standings. Bauer showcased poise beyond his years, sticking fairways and greens while minimizing mistakes. Senior Luke Kendall was close behind with a solid one-over 73, landing him in sixth place. Kendall’s veteran presence continues to be a steadying force for the Raiders.
Senior Jon Harris added a 77, good for a tie at 15th place, while junior Charlie Stoffel chipped in with a 79. Rounding out the team scoring were seniors Drew Greiner (84) and Trey Bremer (85), helping the Raiders post one of their best all-around team performances of the season.
The team's depth was a key factor in their success. With multiple players scoring in the 70s, the Raiders demonstrated they have the balance needed to compete at the top of the conference. Bauer and Kendall delivered strong rounds, and the rest of the lineup continues to show improvement.
Just four days later, the Raiders faced a new challenge: the Dacotah Ridge Invite, hosted at the scenic and demanding Dacotah Ridge Golf Club. The two-day tournament featured some of the state’s elite programs, including Edina, Elk River, and Alexandria. Hastings held their own, finishing seventh with a two-day team total of 623 (+47), only four strokes behind sixth-place Farmington.
Once again, David Bauer led the Raiders, continuing his standout season with rounds of 72 (even) and 78, totaling 150 (+6) to finish seventh overall among a highly competitive field. Bauer’s first round set the tone, highlighted by pinpoint approach shots and confident putting.
Luke Kendall was steady over both days, posting scores of 77 and 76 for a 153 (+9) total, placing him in 16th overall. His calm demeanor and reliable short game have made him a cornerstone for the team throughout the spring. Senior Jon Harris bounced back from a tough opening round of 85 with a strong 75 on Day 2, showing resilience to close at 160 (+16).
Seniors Trey Bremer (161) and Drew Greiner (169) contributed important depth, with both improving in the second round. Junior Charlie Stoffel also made gains, shooting a 79 on Day 2 after an 86 to finish at 165.
Though Hastings didn’t crack the top five, their performance at Dacotah Ridge demonstrated their ability to compete with some of Minnesota's best programs. The Raiders outplayed strong teams like Wayzata and New London-Spicer, showcasing a level of composure and focus that bodes well for the second half of their season.
The Dacotah Ridge tournament served as a valuable test for the Raiders. The course and the field were challenging, but the team battled and gave themselves a chance to compete. The experience should serve them well as they prepare for the stretch run of the season.
As the regular season continues, the Raiders show they have the talent and depth to contend not only within the Metro East Conference but at the section and state level as well. With strong leadership from their seniors and the emergence of Bauer as a rising star, Hastings is poised to make noise in the weeks ahead.
The Raiders travel to Southern Hills Golf Club on May 8 for a dual with Farmington starting at noon. Then they head to Oak Marsh GC on May 13 for the fourth Metro East Conference meet that is scheduled to start just after 11:00 a.m.