BY ANDREW DYRDAL

Albert Lea Tribune

COON RAPIDS — Luke Hoefflin birdied twice on the front nine Tuesday at Bunker Hills Golf Course before running into trouble on the round’s final three holes.

Cruising through the first nine holes of the Class AAA State Tournament, Hoefflin shot a 36 and had solid stuff, according to head coach Will Pazurek.

That success continued early after the turn onto the back nine as Hoefflin hit every fairway and green in regulation through all 18 holes, but struggled at the end, shooting five over par on the course’s final three holes.

“He played really well through 15 holes,” said Pazurek of Hoefflin’s performance. “He just didn’t close out well.”

The Packers’ golfer finished with a 43 after the turn, giving him a total of 86, which ties him for 81st overall.

“It could have been a great round,” Pazurek said. “Hoefflin is a little discouraged but wants to finish out his career on a high note Wednesday.”

After one day of action, Wayzata is leading the team leaderboard with a 296. Charlie Braniff and Tyler Lowenstein of St. Cloud Tech and Wayzata, respectively, are tied atop the individual leaderboard at 68.