Paa, Meidl looking to learn,

Larson looking for top 10

By BOB VARMETTE

Journal Sports Writer

SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield/Comfrey's Johnny Larson and New Ulm High's Amanda Paa are playing in the state golf tournament. Paa qualified for the Class 2A tournament at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids Tuesday and Wednesday; Larson will play today and Tuesday at St. Cloud Country Club.

Where and when they play are the least of the differences. Larson -- just a freshman -- is going for his second straight year, and he expects to do well. Paa -- a sophomore -- is making her first trip to the state tournament, and she expects to learn and have fun.

"I'm pretty excited," Paa said. "It's going to be fun. Sectionals was the hard part of it. It was really great to make it."

Other area golfers earning trips to the state golf tournament are Carrie Pankonin of Red Rock Central, Annie Meidl of Sleepy Eye and the Springfield/Comfrey girls, who qualified by winning the Section 2-1A tournament.

Paa shot an 83 May 25 at Monticello Country Club, tying for fifth at the Section 2-2A tournament. Paa then won a playoff on the first hole to earn her first state trip -- you could call that pressure.

Now she's playing against some of the best girls in the state.

"It's nothing different than in the summer," Paa said. "It's going to be fun to meet all the other girls. ... Being in the top 15 is my goal. There are 75 to 80 people there and they're some of the best players in the state."

Larson knows pressure, and he feels some, especially the self-applied kind. The lone Tiger to qualify for the state tournament shot a 79 May 30 at St. James Country Club, good for fourth at the Section 2-1A tournament, and he returns to St. Cloud with higher expectations.

"(Last year), I was young," Larson said. "I was there for the experience, and it was a positive experience for me. I got to see a lot of the course."

Larson shot an 82 the first day last year, but slipped to a second-round 89 for a 171 to place 68th. This year, he wants to be in the top 10.

"He's really hoping to be in the top 10," said Peggy Larson, Springfield/Comfrey coach and Johnny's mother. "We'll be really pleased with that. He has the potential to do it. He's fundamentally sound.

"He's playing really well. He hits the ball strong for a freshman and he has mature course management skills."

Playing the longer St. Cloud Country Club layout could be a test for Johnny Larson. The course is about 400 yards longer than Springfield Golf Course's nine-hole layout.

He feels his short game is sound, and keeping his drives in the fairway hasn't hurt. But now the focus will be on his long-iron game.

"My long irons are the weakest part of my game," Johnny Larson said. "You've got to hit a lot of them at St. Cloud. I've been working on that."

Sophomore Annie Meidl is making her first trip to the state tournament. She shot an 89 at the Section 2-1A tournament and, like Paa, is heading for St. Cloud to have fun and gain experience.

"I'm kind of nervous, it's really exciting," Meidl said. "I just want to shoot 90 or under and have fun. I'm glad I'm going. Whatever happens, happens."

Sleepy Eye coach Rick Gossen isn't applying any pressure to Meidl.

"Just making it this year is a tremendous accomplishment," he said. "This is a learning experience that can hopefully help her in her junior and senior years."

Pankonin -- a senior -- qualified for the state tournament with an 83 at the Section 3-1A tournament at Marshall Country Club May 26. The 83 tied her for second place.