LITTLETON — While greens may be good for you, it was hardly the case Monday for Class 5A high school girl golfers.
A combination of slick, undulating putting surfaces at Raccoon Creek Golf Course ate up much of the big-school field in the first round of the Colorado tournament.
Then there was Littleton senior Becca Huffer, the 2006 medalist, who took just 25 putts to fire an even-par 72 to take the lead. A year ago, Huffer stumbled to more than 70 putts in two rounds and finished fifth, but what a difference a year makes.
She carried a five-shot lead into today’s final round, and she can thank her short game.
“I like fast greens,” the Notre Dame-bound Huffer said.
Four others were tied for second place at 77 — defending champion Brooke Collins of Monarch, Bethany Buchner of Loveland, Robin Lee of Highlands Ranch and Melissa Martin of Central (G.J.).
Within range are Jamie Engelkemier of Highlands Ranch and Kristen Kempton of Heritage at 78, and Andi Hibbert of Lakewood at 79.
Despite the course being in terrific shape as well as “set up to go low,” according to Collins, there were plenty of rough spots. Multiple backups on the tee boxes assured five-hour rounds; only eight players broke 80; there were four 10s, one 11 and one 12; and 14 players failed to break triple figures.
None of it mattered to Huffer, who began on the back nine, where she put up three bogeys and three birdies, then a birdie and a bogey coming home. Her superior length was obvious, and she had a big day with her wedge, frequently zeroing in on the flag. She also got up and down like an elevator.
“My wedge was working all day — it was nice,” said Huffer, who also has incorporated a new putter.
Collins, who won a year ago at Patty Jewett G.C. in Colorado Springs and will play next season at Oklahoma, had assorted moments of being all over the map with five bogeys and a couple of double bogeys, but she ground it out enough to stay in contention.
“I was really up and down on my front nine,” she said. “I don’t know. We’ll see.”
The best nine-hole score of the day was a 35 by Skyline’s Gina Larsen on the front, but she struggled to a 48 on the back.
Highlands Ranch, backed up by Libby Avery’s 82, rolled to a 237 total and a 17-shot lead. Next are defending champion Cherry Creek (254), Grand Junction (257) and Fort Collins (261). Tied at 262 are Douglas County and Skyline.
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
