None of the other local boys can match Golfer of the Year Jason Chobar's sub-80 average or his state-qualifying sectional score, though several came close in both regards.
The other members of the 2012 Morris Daily Herald All-Area Boys Golf Team kept their averages in the low- to mid-40s over nine holes. Many qualified for sectional competition, and some were just a few strokes from joining Chobar at state.
Kent Hudson
Sophomore, Minooka
At the Class 3A Plainfield Central Regional, Hudson delivered an Indians-low 82. He was one or two strokes over par on "several occasions," according to Minooka coach Brian Petrovic, helping the Indians go undefeated in Southwest Prairie Conference duals. Hudson had averages of 40 stokes at nine-hole events and 83 at 18-hole tournaments.
"Both of these young men are very talented players," Petrovic said of Hudson and teammate Jake Hogen. "I honestly think that both of them would be No. 1 players on most teams in our area. Chobar’s accomplishments obviously speak for themselves, but these two other players pushed him all year for low rounds in all our dual meets."
Michael McPherson
Senior, Morris
The Redskins' co-captain carded an 85 at the Class 2A Nazareth Academy Sectional. He qualified for that tournament with a 95 at the Joliet Catholic Academy Regional. Prior to that, McPherson finished 18th with an 83 at the Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference Tournament at Senica's Oak Ridge in La Salle and shot a 38 on the front nine.
For the season, McPherson averaged a 42 per nine holes. His dual low was a 39 at Hughes Creek against Kaneland. He carded an 81 at the Minooka Invitational, which was good for seventh place.
Josh Rohder
Senior, Seneca
Rohder finished second with an 80 at the Class 1A Seneca Regional. It was the culmination of a season where Rohder averaged 44.91 over nine holes and made All-Conference in the Interstate Eight.
*It was good to have Josh back after attending and playing golf for Coal City the past two years," Seneca coach Bryan Erickson said. "Josh was the hardest-working player on our team, spending extra time on the putting green and driving range to work through the tough times of the golf season. All the hard work that he had put in throughout the season paid off at regionals."
Jake Hogen
Senior, Minooka
With an 89, Hogen was the final advancing individual at the Plainfield Central Regional. His season averages were 40 on nine holes and 83.4 on 18.
"I can’t say enough good things about these two players," Petrovic said of Hogen and Hudson. "Each of them are capable of going pretty low each and everyday."
Trevor Lines
Junior, Morris
Like McPherson, Lines contributed four points to the Redskins' cause during conference play. He was also a sectional qualifier, totaling a 94 at the JCA Regional.
Lines averaged a 42 per nine holes for the season. Among his low totals this season were a 39 at Senica's Oak Ridge against La Salle-Peru and a 38 at Morris Country Club in a dual against Plainfield North.
Ben Rohder
Sophomore, Seneca
Rohder led the Fighting Irish in greens and regulation percentage and putting average, and his 12 penalties all season was the lowest total on the team. His nine-hole average was 44.32, and his low round was a 40 at Nettle Creek.
*Ben was our most consistent player for much of the season," Erickson said. "It's exciting to have a consistent player like Ben for two more years that you can build a team around."
Honorable Mention
COAL CITY — Freshman Matt Gubelman, who shot a 98 to advance individually out of the Class 2A Joliet Catholic Academy Regional. He then had a hole-in-one as part of his 99 at the Nazareth Academy Sectional. MORRIS — Senior Ryan Borgstrom, who led the Redskins with an 87 (the lowest score among all advancing individuals) at the JCA Regonal. He then shot a 99 at the Nazareth Academy Sectional. ... Junior Justin Larsen, who qualified out of the JCA Regional with a 97. Larsen carded a 98 at the Nazareth Academy Sectional. SENECA — Junior Conlan Callahan, who averaged 46.05 over nine holes, led the Fighting Irish in birdies, shot an 83 at the Class 1A Seneca Regional for the second-place Irish and missed advancing by two strokes at the Westminster Christian Sectional. "Conlan showed a lot of improvement this year on the golf course, mainly (in) his mental approach to the game," Erickson said. ... Senior Mike Osborne, who was All-Conference in the Interstate Eight, averaged a 46.09 and shot an 88 at the Class 1A Seneca Regional to help the Fighting Irish advance. "Mike played well when it really counted," Erickson said.
