WORLAND – With week three of the golf season in the books and the season at the halfway point, the Bulldog golfers have continued their winning ways. The team traveled to Worland the past week to play a very nice golf course that sits in the Bighorn Basin. This is the third year in a row that the Bulldogs have made their way north since Worland hosted the conference tournament two years ago and state last year. Needless to say: the weather was perfect, and the course was in phenomenal shape. Most importantly, it gave the team a chance to compete against many of the 3A West teams including Lander Valley, which were the pre-season favorites to win the state title according to various news sources.
The boys squad knew this was their opportunity to make a statement heading into the postseason. After the first round, the boys were in first place by 14 shots over Lander and 18 shots over 4A powerhouse Riverton. Tate Nichols led the way with a first round 69 (-3) to secure six shot lead after the first day. He was followed by Dylan Nelson who was in third place with a 77, Jacob Miller who was in a four-way tie for fourth, and Isaac Cdebaca who was in a tie for ninth (82).

The second day was no different for the boys as they did not let up one bit. Every one of the boys in the starting lineup placed in the top 10 and found their way to the podium when the day ended. Nichols continued his winning ways by winning his third tourney in a row by shooting a second day score of 68 (-4) for a two total of 137 (-7). Nelson, Miller, and Isaac Cdebaca tied for sixth with two-day total of 158 and Brecken Sandlian finished in 10th after shooting a second round 78 leaving him with a solid two-day total of 161. The boys team also won their third tourney in a row by besting Lander by 30 shots and Riverton by 34. Fletcher McKee, Wyatt Fitzwater, and KC Metz also competed as individuals and finished with two-day totals of 179, 189, and 191 respectively.
The Wheatland girls also had great individual tourneys. Haylie Nelson shot an 84 on day one which put her in a two-way tie for first. Tayen Wakkuri was in a tie for 10th after shooting 100. On day two, Nelson ended up in a tie for second after shooting a very respectable 87. Wakkuri improved her score from day one by shooting 97 and finishing in 11th place.
“We’ve had this tournament marked on our schedule for good reason. We knew what the 3 East Conference brought to the table because we see them every week. Knowing that Lander was the pre-season favorite and attending this event, our boys knew they could make a statement if they played like they’re capable of. With a pristine golf course and perfect weather, the playing field “so to speak” was equal,” head coach Tony Nichols said.
“Coach Gonzalez and I are so proud of the boys and girls for their determination and hard work heading into this tournament. The boys knew what was at stake and wanted to leave no doubt they are the team to beat heading into the final three weeks of the season. We told the boys this is the prelude to what they will have overcome at the state tournament, so let’s not leave any stones unturned. With three weeks left, it is now time to fine tune any areas of their games they need as individuals in order to achieve our team goals. On the girls side, Haylie also got a chance to compete against Buffalo’s top golfer Addison Bettinger, who in addition to Haylie is one of the other favorites to win state. Haylie tied Bettinger from Buffalo, and beat Maddie Brace from Douglas last week, so she knows what it will take to compete for a state championship. This was a great week for the bulldog golfers,” Nichols concluded.