Brown makes most of great shot: Rock Falls junior moves on; Fulton’s Workman and Bilyeu also advance to state

Tanner Brown provided some unintended theatrics at Hawthorn Ridge golf course Monday afternoon.

The Rock Falls senior golfer saved his best shot for last, and it proved to be more important than he knew when he hit it.

Brown knocked his approach shot to within 6 feet on his final hole at the Class 1A Mercer County Sectional in Aledo and tapped in the ensuing putt for birdie to shoot 80 – which turned out to be the cutoff line to advance to this weekend’s state tournament.

“We thought an 82 would get us to state, so I felt fine when I came in with the 80,” Brown said. “It turned out I needed that putt to get to state, and when I realized that, I was pretty stoked.”

Brown’s teammate, Trevin Hippen, wasn’t as fortunate. The senior fired an 82 and missed a trip to state by two strokes.

“I told Tanner that I’m happy for him, really excited and proud,” Rock Falls coach Tom Frank said. “But I also told him this is a bittersweet day for me. Tanner and Trevin were both 4-year varsity golfers, and as happy as I am for Tanner, I’m equally sad for Trevin.

“He’s disappointed right now, and I know Tanner feels for him – but I also know that Trevin is happy for Tanner. It’s just tough to come so close and miss.”

Newman’s Dan Nieman also found himself on the short end, as he matched Hippen’s 82. Fulton’s Evan Eissens (84) and Prophetstown’s Jarod Smith (86) were also within spitting distance of a berth in Bloomington-Normal.

Fulton’s Kyle Workman punched his ticket to state with a 4-over par 76, good for second place behind medalist Peter Callas of Alleman, who fired an even-par 72. The Steamers placed sixth as a team with a 349.

Alleman won the team title with a 318. Peoria Christian (346) also advanced to state by breaking a tie with its fifth score against Monmouth-Roseville.

Girls golf

Bilyeu advances to state: Fulton junior Lydia Bilyeu was the lone local golfer to advance out of the Class 1A Byron Sectional at PrairieView.