Glen Lake senior Michael Houtteman shot a dominating 68 to capture an individual regional championship Wednesday along with a team championship.
“We went up the day before, checked out the course for the practice round, which felt nice. It was fun.
The boys were feeling good. I was feeling good … We felt groovy,” he said.
Glen Lake won a team championship behind an impressive 326-332 win over Traverse City Christian. Laker senior Ben Romzek shot an 85; Gabe Hazelton 86; Joel Martin 87; Karter Smith 90.
This is Houtteman’s second time winning the regional outright, first since his freshman year.
The Lakers will be heading to the state championship Friday and Saturday at Ferris State University (Katke Golf Course).
“There are some holes that you have to attack and go for. Try to make a couple birdies, maybe an eagle or two, and then some other holes where you got to really play smart and lay up or just miss it in certain spots and just try to get out of there with some pars that won’t hurt you …just go out swinging,” Houtteman said.
Houtteman and his father and coach Lee Houtteman competed in a father-son tournament Monday and Tuesday.
Leland sophomore Hayden VanSteenhouse also made his way to the state championship meet behind an impressive fourth place finishing score of 75. Leland senior Liam Waskiewicz left his career on a high-note finishing 8th overall (81).
Houtteman and his father and coach Lee Houtteman completed a father and son tournament before heading down to the state championship.
“We are trying to have as much fun as we can, especially before I go off to boot camp or basic training ... hopefully get a couple laughs out of each other and make a couple putt,” Mike said. “I’ve been playing pretty solid this season ... Getting my feel with all my clubs, especially on the greens, and just be confident and trust my ability to hit shots when I need to.”
