AIR FORCE ACADEMY — A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Air Academy’s Mike Guerra will never admit it, but it sure doesn’t hurt to be playing the Class 5A state golf tournament in his backyard at the Air Force Academy’s Eisenhower Golf Club Blue Course.
The senior opened with a 1-under-par 71 to lead the two-day event by one shot over last year’s runner-up, Brennan Dolan of Fairview, and by two over Derek Fribbs (Douglas County), David Holtgrewe (Arapahoe) and Jon- athan Park (Overland).
“It’s not a hard golf course from tee to green, but once I’m on the green, I am going to be better than most people,” said Guerra, the Colorado Springs Metro League champion. “I just don’t have many three-putts out here, and that’s probably what’s killing everyone else.”
Guerra will attempt to become the first Air Academy medalist. He and his mates have a bigger goal of trying to nab the school’s first team title. The Kadets are tied with Douglas County (228), one shot behind defending team champion Fairview, Regis and Cherry Creek.
Guerra’s approach today will be like any other. He has played Eisenhower more times than he can count.
“I just want to come out here and make pars and do the same thing I did today,” he said. “Maybe, and hopefully, I’ll make a few more putts.”
Dolan, battling the wind and cold with watery eyes, had his round take a turn for the positive on No. 9. After his tee shot hit a spectator and landed in a hazard, Dolan recovered to make birdie on the par-5.
“Hands down the turning point, and that was what I was thinking about when I walked off that green,” Dolan said.
After turning at 2-over, Dolan got back to level on the par-3 17th with a 50-foot downhill putt he judged perfectly.
Fribbs, who tied for second in 2006 at Pinehurst, is hoping that experience will pay dividends today.
“It’s going to help a lot,” Fribbs said. “I just have to be patient and not get too far ahead.”
Jon E. Yunt: 303-954-1354 or jyunt@denverpost.com
