Golf: Elks’ Kline earns 4th state trip, placing 3rd in section

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Alex Kline has earned his fourth consecutive trip to the state golf tournament.

The Elk River senior shot a pair of 38′s in the final 18 at Grand National in Hinckley on Thursday,  giving him a 71-76-147 total for third place in Section 7AAA.

“After shooting 71 on Monday I was confident I’d qualify, and I was just trying to win today,” said Kline, who placed second and fifth the last two sectionals. “I didn’t shoot as well as I hoped, but I got to state, and that was the goal.”

Forest Lake junior Max Kelly, the defending state Class 3A champion, was section medalist with 72-70-142.

Kline had a double bogey on No. 16, but came back with a birdie two on No. 17 after putting a seven-iron tee shot six feet from the cup, and made two more good shots  on No. 18 for a par five.

Elk River, which placed fourth Monday and didn’t make the cut for the team finals, had two other individuals advance.

They were senior Jordan Peterson, who finished with 82-80–162, and freshman Garrett Turnacliff, who finished with 78-81-159.

The state tournament will be held June 12-13 at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids.

Kline, a University of South Dakota recruit, has set a top-ten finish as his season goal. His top placement so far at state has been 21st.