Even though it's individual scores, we play for each other, and we play for Hastings. That’s what being a Raider is, working hard, enjoying it together, and lifting each other up.”

Head Coach Matt Klein

Emerald Greens Golf Course
14425 Goodwin Ave
Hastings, MN 55033
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The Hastings Raiders Boys Golf team has been keeping busy, turning in three strong performances in a stretch of tough competition that Head Coach Matt Klein says is helping the team build grit, resilience, and a sense of togetherness.
The week kicked off with the Metro East Conference meet at Emerald Greens on April 22. Hastings finished fourth out of nine teams, shooting a team score of 306, just nine strokes behind meet champions Hill-Murray, who posted an impressive 297.
"Anytime you have a score that starts with a three, that's a dang good round," said Klein after the meet. "306 is a great number for us, and I’m proud of how the boys finished."
Senior Jon Harris and fellow senior Trey Bremer led the Raiders, each carding rounds of 76 (+4) to finish tied for eighth individually. David Bauer, a sophomore, and senior Luke Kendall were not far behind, both shooting 77 (+5). Senior Drew Greiner added a 78 (+6) to round out the top scores, while Brayden Krauth posted an 85 (+13).
One of the most encouraging signs for Klein was how the team handled adversity.
"We had a tougher start today than we’ve seen all season," Klein explained. "But the boys showed real perseverance. Our last six holes as a group were outstanding, kids were making birdies, keeping bogeys and doubles off the card. That’s what you want to see."
Even with golf being largely an individual sport, Klein emphasized the importance of team chemistry.
"Even though it's individual scores, we play for each other, and we play for Hastings," he said. "That’s what being a Raider is, working hard, enjoying it together, and lifting each other up."
The very next day, Hastings traveled to Stoneridge Golf Club for the East Ridge Invitational, facing a strong field packed with some of the top teams in the state. The Raiders finished 13th out of 16 teams with a score of 322, but the experience gained was invaluable.
"It’s a treat to play a course like Stoneridge," said Klein. "Fast greens, beautiful conditions, it really challenges you to adapt and respond."
Bauer and Kendall each turned in solid rounds of 78 (+6), tying for 33rd individually. Harris posted an 82 (+10), Charlie Stoffel shot 84 (+12), Bremer carded 85 (+13), and Greiner finished at 89 (+17).
Despite a higher team score compared to the conference meet, Klein pointed to the importance of exposure to high-level competition.
"You grow from playing in events like this," he said. "We saw some of the best teams in the state today, and competing against them only helps us get better."
After a few days off, the Raiders were back in action on April 28 at the Lakeville North Brackett’s Invitational, held at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club. Hastings bounced back in a big way, finishing third out of nine teams with a team total just +20 over par, narrowly behind Shakopee (+12) and Farmington (+19).
David Bauer led the way for the Raiders with a stellar +4 round, placing him fifth individually. Kendall was close behind at +5, tied for tenth, alongside Drew Greiner, who also posted +5. Junior Drew Mamer shot +6, senior Jon Harris recorded a +9, and Trey Bremer came in at +13.
"The guys are really responding well this season," said Klein. "It’s another example of how we keep learning and adjusting. They’re showing a lot of heart."
Klein credited the team's camaraderie for helping them stay positive throughout a packed week.
"You see it when they’re sitting on the bench after the rounds, joking around, giving each other grief, but also lifting each other up," Klein said. "That's what good teams do. They enjoy the work, and they enjoy being together."
The Raiders now head into an important stretch of the season with momentum on their side. With their depth across the lineup and growing consistency, Hastings looks poised to make a strong push toward the postseason.
"We're figuring it out, and we're finishing strong," said Klein with a smile. "Now it’s about putting it all together at the right time."
Up Next
The boys are travelling to Highland National Golf Course for the second conference meet on Apr. 29 with a scheduled start of 1:30 p.m. May 2 is a trip to Dacotah Ridge Golf Club for a multi-team invite starting at 1:00 p.m. which carries over to round 2 at 8:30 a.m. on May 3. The Mid-Conference Tournament is at Oak Glen on May 6 starting at noon and then play settles down a little for a dual on May 8 against Farmington at 11:00 a.m. at Southern Hills Golf Course.