Linus Vandenberg burst onto the high school golf scene this season.
But he played like a poised veteran.
The Holland Christian freshman was cool under pressure, qualified for the state tournament and was selected as the Holland Sentinel Boys Golfer of the Year.
More: Saugatuck golf finishes seventh at state tournament; Holland Christian freshman 22nd
“I feel that I played very well and consistent. Playing and getting to know my team was very fun as well and really growing together. The state tournament was a great experience and was very fun to play in. And hopefully the team can make it next year,” he said. “I feel that I improved most on my mental game. Being able to bounce back after a blow up hole and not letting that get to me.”
Vandenberg had the lowest nine-hole average in the area at 38.2 and shot a stunning 4-under 68 for 18 holes at Spring Lake’s George Bitner Invitational.
He finished fifth at the OK Blue Conference tournament and took ninth at regionals with a 76, which made him one of the top three individuals (not on a team that qualified) and qualified him for the state tournament as an individual.
Vandenberg shot a 75-79-154 to finish 22nd at the Division 2 state tournament.
“Linus is a special golfer,” Holland Christian coach Caleb Nykamp said. “An absolutely incredible ball striker with an unique ability to make a ton of birdies. His touch around the greens is what allows him to score so well because he can get up and down when he misses greens, which is rare. He is fiercely competitive and always striving to improve. His ceiling is so high having already made it to state as an individual and placing 22nd, he is going to be fun to watch the next three years.”
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Linus Vandenberg played with poise of veteran, earned Golfer of Year
