#TBT: Harmon's 135 Still All-Time Low
May 15, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
It's been tough for golfers to remember sunny days this week, with most of Michigan seemingly under water – or, in the far north, snow.
But this week's Throwback Thursday recalls a fall weekend 12 years ago, when East Kentwood's Matt Harmon put up the brightest performance during the 36-hole era of MHSAA Boys Golf Finals.
Harmon shot 64-71 over two days at Michigan State University's Forest Akers East, with his 135 total the lowest of that Lower Peninsula Division 1 Final by four strokes and lowest score overall since the MHSAA Lower Peninsula tournament went to 36 holes in 1994.
East Kentwood also won the team championship that weekend, by 11 strokes. Although the Falcons finished only tied for ninth the following season at The Emerald in St. Johns, Harmon repeated as individual champion with a two-day 146 that included a first-round 68.
Harmon, who also had finished Division 1 runner-up as a freshman in 1999, went on to win the Mr. Golf Award in 2002, then star at MSU earning Big Ten Player of the Year in 2007.
Harmon played on the Web.com Tour in 2013, has played NGA Tour events so far in 2014 and is among those listed to play on the PGA Tour Canada this summer. All three are considered stepping stones to the PGA Tour.
Marquette Boys Complete Another Finals Sweep, Team Championship Repeat
By
Adam Hinch
Special for MHSAA.com
May 28, 2026
HARRIS — It was a great day for golf with temperatures in the 70s and light winds for the MHSAA Upper Peninsula Division 1 Final – and Marquette’s boys played to match to outstanding conditions.
The Sentinels backed up last year’s title as they ended the day with a first-place 295 strokes, finishing ahead of second-place Escanaba at 314 and third-place Houghton with 316. Gladstone finished fourth with 317 and Sault Ste. Marie was fifth with 322.
Marquette junior Seve Swanson had the best day of all in the field as he posted a score of 70 with four birdies.
“The depth of our roster was the key to success today,” Marquette coach Ben Smith said. “Everyone stepped up, and our seniors set the tone and (I’m) just happy for our players.”
Swanson had to use some damage control after a double bogey on the 14th hole. He bounced back with a birdie and three pars to finish the round.
Marquette senior Boden Moore, the 2025 medalist, scored a 72, highlighted by an eagle on the 11th hole – a 501-yard par 5 – and a pair of birdies on holes 9 and 18. Senior teammate Jack Pond also had a good day carding a 74 with a trio of birdies as he rebounded from a tough start on the front nine that included a pair of bogeys and a double bogey all coming during the first six holes.
Escanaba junior Jared Plourde put up the best performance of the day for his team with a score of 74. Plourde got a birdie early, on the third hole, but closed out the front nine with a pair of bogeys. On the back nine, Plourde birdied on the 11th but had bogeys on the next two holes before closing the day with five consecutive pars.
“Our boys played exceptional today,” Escanaba coach Jake Berlinski said. “Jared finished the day tied for third. I couldn't be happier for him and for our team for the way we played today.”
Carson Artley placed fifth on the day with a score of 75 with birdies on the first and ninth holes.
“Carson was right there today,” Berlinski said. “He is one of four guys coming back next year, so our outlook is strong as we move forward to next year.”
Gladstone freshman Karson Delaney tied for sixth on the day, with four birdies and despite a pair of double bogeys on the back nine.
“The driver was perfect on every hole today,” Delaney said. “The putter was good too, but the wedges were shaky today.”
Kingsford senior Owen Edwards also posted a score of 76 with a pair of birdies on holes 6 and 17. Escanaba senior Owen LaBonte ended his high school career in a three-way tied for eighth place with senior Dane Saari from Negaunee and Robert Loukus from Calumet.
Sarri had four birdies on the day, and Loukus had birdies at 9 and 13.
(Photo by Adam Hinch.)