Judd wins state individual title, Wolves finish third

The Three Forks High School Golf team ended their season in impressive fashion at last week’s Class B State Tournament at the Marias Valley Golf & Country Club in Shelby.

The Lady Wolves wrapped up the tournament with an outstanding third-place finish, with senior golfer Ari Judd winning the state individual title with rounds of 81 and 78.

Judd finished six spots above second-place finisher Cate Leydig of Lone Peak.

Head Coach Aaron Harkins said it was quite the thrilling ride over two days in Shelby.

“After the first competition, we really only had two players who felt they played well, Ari Judd and Devon Long. We had a little team meeting that night and discussed that we didn’t feel as a team we played to our potential, and for the second day, we just need to go out there and do what we can do,” said Harkins. “Well, that is what happened. Ari played lights out, tying her best round ever with a 78, and took home the individual championship. All year, we kept telling the kids to outwork somebody, and that came to fruition today.”

Claire Van Vleet finished with rounds of 113 and 102, Paige Lien had scores of 107 and 109, Kennedy Rogers shot 123 and 108, and Fallon Cardwell finished with scores of 132 and 137.

Harkins added that, along with Judd, the rest of the girls’ team did awesome in Shelby.

“I think collectively they shot 27 strokes less on the second day to jump from fifth to third, earning them some hardware. We are so proud of all the players, especially Ari and Paige. Those two are what kids of character truly look like. And those seniors will surely be missed, Harkins said.

For Judd, it was amazing to see years of hard work pay off.

“I felt like I did everything I could do to prepare. I’m grateful for my family, the best coaches, the best team, and the best community, who have been so supportive and encouraging. I couldn’t have done it without them,” Judd said.

With a lead going into the last round, Judd knew she would have a good day on the course.

“I was teamed up with some of the best golfers in the state, and the weather was supposed to be amazing. I started off strong with a birdie on hole two and continued to have a great front nine. I had two holes on the back that were a struggle, but it worked out in the end. It was a great day,” Judd said.

On the boys’ side, Devon Long earned All-State honors for the Wolves after finishing in a tie for 14th.

“Hunter Feddes and Devon Long represented Three Forks really well. Hunter shot 87, 85, which is quite commendable even though he knew he left some shots out there, and Devon had a heck of a tournament with an 82 and then a 76,” Harkins said.