Newton’s Heryford sits fifth after Day 1 of 4A state golf

ANKENY — Rylee Heryford is not where she wants to be after the opening 18 holes of the Class 4A girls state golf tournament.

But a strong start to her final round, better shots off the tee and a few more birdie putts would go a long way in helping the Cardinal junior move up the leaderboard.

As it stands after 18 holes, Heryford sits in fifth place after firing a 2-over-par 73 at the par 71 Otter Creek Golf Course on Tuesday.

“Rylee got into a little trouble off the tee today by going in some sand bunkers and no mow,” Newton girls golf coach Ashley Kahler said. “She left a few birdie putts short but did a great job getting out of the bunkers.”

Heryford’s 73 is two shots clear of sixth but she trails four golfers by at least two strokes.

West Des Moines Valley’s Paige Hoffman carded a 4-under-par 67 to take a two-shot lead on Bettendorf’s Shannyn Vogler after Day 1.

Morgan Hawkins of Dubuque Hempstead and Isabella Pettersen of Iowa City Liberty are currently tied for third after shooting even par.

“Rylee’s approach to the green was very good,” Kahler said. “She is right in the hunt. Anything can happen on day two. If she gets a few drives down the middle and makes those birdie putts, we are right where she wants to be.”

The final round for Heryford will begin on No. 1 at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. She will be paired with Hawkins and Pettersen for the final 18 holes.

Fourteen golfers shot better than 80 on Tuesday. Heryford shot 36 on the front nine and 37 on the back. Her round included three birdies — No. 1, No. 9 and No. 12 — three bogies, one double bogey and 11 pars.

Heryford’s 73 would be the Day 1 leader in Class 1A (77), 2A (78) and 3A (76).