The Hastings Raiders boys golf team closed out its regular season with back-to-back competitive outings that underscored the team’s progress, resilience, and potential heading into the Metro East Conference Championship. With the conference meet set for May 21 at Loggers Trail Golf Course, the Raiders are carrying momentum and confidence from two challenging tournaments.
On May 12, the team traveled to the White Bear Yacht Club in Dellwood, a course known for its narrow fairways and slick greens. Competing against a field packed with talent from across the metro, Hastings finished in a tie for eighth place with Centennial, each carding a team score of 318, thirty strokes over par.
Senior Luke Kendall led the Raiders with an impressive round of 75, just three strokes over par. His performance stood out in a stacked leaderboard and provided stability at the top of the lineup. Fellow seniors Jon Harris and Drew Greiner both posted rounds of 79, tying for 22nd place overall. Their consistency kept Hastings in the hunt amid strong team efforts from schools like Mahtomedi and New Prague.
Junior Drew Mamer posted an 86, followed closely by senior Hunter Hoff with an 85. Rounding out the lineup was senior Brayden Krauth, who carded a 90. While the team result landed Hastings in the middle of the pack, the individual efforts showed signs of depth and determination.
The very next day, Hastings bounced back with one of the strongest outings of the season at Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale. The event, part of the Metro East Conference series, showcased the Raiders’ ability to rebound under pressure.
Hastings finished in fourth place with a team score of 297, seventeen over par, just one stroke behind third-place St. Thomas Academy. This was a notable improvement over their showing at White Bear Yacht Club and a testament to the team’s depth and focus.
Senior Jon Harris delivered a standout round, shooting an even-par 70 to place sixth overall. His performance anchored the Raiders’ lineup and set the tone early in the round. Sophomore David Bauer stepped up in a big way, firing a 74 to finish in 14th place. His calm demeanor and steady ball-striking provided a key boost in the second seed spot.
Senior Trey Bremer also had a strong showing, shooting a 75 to take 16th place. Seniors Luke Kendall and junior Charlie Stoffel each shot 78, sharing 24th place. Sophomore Rylan Krauth rounded out the squad with a 79, landing in 30th.
This kind of scoring depth is exactly what the team will need as they head into the conference finale. With six players finishing within nine strokes of each other, Hastings has shown it can rely on multiple players to step up when needed.
Overall, the back-to-back competitions offered a mix of challenges that tested the Raiders’ consistency and mental toughness. From navigating the tight layout and unpredictable winds of White Bear Yacht Club to capitalizing on scoring opportunities at Oak Marsh, Hastings demonstrated both grit and growth.
Mahtomedi won both events with commanding performances, including a red-hot 277 team total at Oak Marsh that came in under par. But the Raiders proved they belong in the conversation among the conference’s best, especially with their fourth-place finish just ahead of section rivals like Two Rivers and Simley.
The coaching staff will no doubt be encouraged by the team’s bounce-back effort and the rising confidence heading into the postseason. With senior leadership from Harris, Kendall, Greiner, Hoff, Bremer, and Krauth, plus emerging young talent like Bauer and Stoffel, Hastings has a solid core capable of making noise at Loggers Trail.
Consistency will be key as the team prepares for the conference meet. With all six players contributing to recent events and several rounds in the low to mid-70s, the Raiders have built a foundation for success. The team’s ability to stay composed under pressure and make smart decisions on the course could make the difference in a tight field.
The Raiders have shown they can compete with some of the top programs in the metro. With the regular season behind them and their eyes firmly set on the postseason, Hastings enters the final stretch with momentum, experience, and belief.
Now all that remains is execution. The conference title is up for grabs, and Hastings is ready to swing for it. They will do just that on May 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Loggers Trail in Stillwater.