Wes Erling hopes learning from past experiences leads to state title

Anyone who plays golf knows how crazy of a sport it can be. Your game can vary from one day to the next and you never quite know what to expect when you hit the course.

Wes Erling of Pine Creek learned that last fall during the 5A boys golf state championships at The Club at Rolling Hills. After shooting 2-over 73 in the first round and holding the overnight lead, Erling put up a 4-over 75 on Day 2 to finish in a 3-way tie for fourth in the tournament.

Of course, Erling would have loved to win the CHSAA state title last fall. He felt that he, “knew the course so well,” the junior told the media at Broncos High School Media Day on Monday. He knew to stay calm and not to put any “unneeded” pressure on himself. Although he did not come away with the victory at Rolling Hills, the state tournament gave him, “a boost to prove it at the next tournament.”

Just five days after the end of the high school season – in his next tournament – a 4-under 68 at the Air Force Academy’s Eisenhower Golf Club allowed Erling to capture the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado’s (JGAC) tour championship title, an accomplishment he considers to be one of his most significant.

Entering his junior season, Erling gained even more confidence over the summer when he qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur played at The Country Club of North Carolina, arguably the most historic event a junior golfer can play in.

“That was the coolest experience in golf I think I’ve ever had,” Erling said about the tournament, which major champions Tiger Woods, David Duval, and Jordan Spieth have won.

After the first round of the tournament, Erling was in a tie for 59^th in the 264-player field with a 2-over 74. After a tough second day, he did miss the cut for the match play portion of the tournament, but he was just thrilled for the opportunity.

“It was again a huge boost knowing I could qualify for it, and I could hold my own there,” Erling said.

It’s quite apparent that Erling’s confidence is at an all-time high as he enters his 2021 season. He said that when the state tournament comes around again, he hopes to capture the title while also defending his JGAC tour championship title within the same week.