The Hastings Raiders boys golf team capped off a strong season with a fourth-place finish at the Class AAA Section 3 tournament, held May 29 at Loggers Trail Golf Course in Stillwater. The Raiders posted a two-day total of 618, just one shot behind third-place East Ridge and five behind second-place St. Thomas Academy. Rosemount claimed the section title with a dominant 593.
While the team narrowly missed a state berth, sophomore David Bauer’s performance stood out. Bauer earned second place overall in the individual standings with a two-day total of 146, finishing just two strokes over par. His runner-up finish secures him a trip to the Class AAA State Tournament, set for June 10–11 at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids.
Bauer leads the way to Bunker Hills
Bauer opened the tournament with a smooth even-par 72, one of the lowest scores in round one. He followed it up with a composed 74 on day two, showing poise well beyond his age. His total of 146 was good enough for second place among a competitive field filled with upperclassmen, making him one of the youngest state qualifiers from the section.
The sophomore has been a steady force for Hastings all season, but his breakout at Loggers Trail confirmed that he’s one of the rising stars in the state. Bauer will now represent the Raiders at Bunker Hills, where he’ll compete against the best in Minnesota high school golf.
Team depth carries the Raiders to fourth
The Raiders’ fourth-place team finish reflected a well-rounded and gritty effort. They opened with a 310 on day one and trimmed two strokes on day two for a 308. That consistency kept them in contention throughout the tournament, and their 618 total held off strong pushes from Park-Cottage Grove, Eagan, and Simley.
Senior Jon Harris posted the second-best individual score for Hastings with a two-day total of 153. He shot 77 on day one and 76 on day two, finishing nine over par. Harris’s calm, steady game kept the Raiders anchored in both rounds and helped set the tone for the team.
Senior Trey Bremer and senior Luke Kendall both played critical roles in keeping Hastings competitive. Bremer shot 78 and 82 for a 160, while Kendall rebounded on day two with a 78 after an 83 in the first round, finishing at 161. Both players brought veteran presence and contributed important scores.
Junior Drew Mamer posted rounds of 83 and 80 to finish at 163, continuing a trend of improvement and giving a glimpse of what he can offer in 2026. Senior Drew Greiner shot 84 and 83 for a 167, rounding out the Raiders’ scoring. Every player in the Hastings lineup played a part, and the team’s overall balance was a strength all season.
One of the state’s toughest sections
Section 3AAA features some of the strongest golf programs in Minnesota, and this year’s tournament lived up to that reputation. Rosemount stormed to a first-round 285, the only under-par team round of the tournament, and held on with a 308 on day two to win the section. St. Thomas Academy and East Ridge both battled well, posting scores of 611 and 617, respectively.

Hastings was right there with them, just one or two putts away from moving into the top three. Their final-round 308 was tied for the second-best team round of the day, which speaks to the resilience and focus they brought to the closing 18 holes.
A proud finish and a promising future
For seniors like Harris, Bremer, Kendall, and Greiner, this tournament was a final chapter in their high school careers. Each of them brought leadership, consistency, and heart to the program, helping shape a competitive and tight-knit squad.
At the same time, the future of Hastings golf looks bright. Bauer’s breakout sophomore season has him heading to state and marks him as a cornerstone for years to come. Mamer returns next year with valuable section experience under his belt. Younger players in the pipeline will have strong leaders to follow.
While the Raiders just missed a trip to state as a team, they showed they belong among the elite. They competed with discipline, never backed down from tough opponents, and ended their season with pride. And with Bauer heading to Bunker Hills, Hastings will still be well represented on the state’s biggest stage.