On what Coach Magera described as a “ugly, cold, rainy day,” the Plains High School golf team got a taste of what it is like to play on a professional course on April 11 in Bigfork.

The course, designed by legendary golf champion Jack Nicklaus, proved to be a challenge for the young team.

“Their eyes were pretty big. There were a lot of hills. A lot of walking but it was also a lot of fun,” said Magera.

Dallas Burgess led the team with an impressive score of 85. Cole Benson followed shooting 112. Jade LaDeaux shot 140, Hannah Hardcastle a 158 and Alan Ihms finished out the day with a score of 157.

According to Magera, “we will be working on our short game leading up to the next tournament. Chipping and putting is where you lose strokes. It’s a learning process for the newer players.”

The next tournament for the Plains golf team is in Ronan on April 16. The next match will be the home tourney at 9:30 a.m. on April 20.

The Bluehawks also competed in Bigfork and came out with a score of 379. Although the team placed seventh, Head Coach Gary Thompson pointed out the team placed third in their division behind Loyola and Deer Lodge.

Dalton Hooten led the team with 89 points, Caleb Bates had 92 points, Ross Dalby scored 96 and Tyler Bates had 102 points.

“I think our young players kept up pretty well but our seniors need to step it up if we want to do good at divisional,” said Thompson.

The team played Ronan on Tuesday and Thompson was hoping for the best.

“I’m always optimistic. I hope that our seniors step it up a little,” said Coach Thompson. “I’m not displeased with their efforts. We take it as it comes and improve as we go.”

On Saturday the Bluehawks will golf at the Plains Invitational and Coach Thompson expects the team to match up to Plains well.

On Monday the team will head to Bozeman for the Manhattan Tournament, on the same course where divisional will take place.

“Divisional is a one day tournament and if you haven’t played the course, it could make a big difference,” said Coach Thompson.