Van-Far golf wants the state tournament to feel like second nature. 

Two Indians that played as part of their state-qualifying team last year returned to play at the Class 1 state tournament on May 19-20 at Meadow Lake Acres in New Bloomfield. Kaleb Baskett finished in a tie for 46th after shooting a 178, or 34-over par, and Kasen Christian was 84th after shooting a 202. 

Head coach Jay Orr, who led the program to a third-place finish in 2019 before stepping away and returning this season, said he isn’t surprised each boy qualified. 

“Kaleb is a natural golfer,” Orr said. “He is one of those development players that we expect greater things out of him.

“Kasen improved in grit and determination. He was hellbent to make it.”

Orr said Baskett and Christian didn’t play well at the conference tournament but took measures to make sure they made the cut at districts. Baskett made a swing change right before districts, and Christian was more consistently striking the ball down the fairway. 

They knew that extra work was necessary, Orr said, because the state courses are more challenging than any played during the season. The New Bloomfield course was new to each of them as well.

“When you get to state, you’re playing the best courses the state of Missouri has to offer,” Orr said. “Meadow Lake Acres was immaculate. Greens were solid. The rough was thick and tough. Boys were having a hard time finding their golf balls, so they had volunteers assisting the boys.”

The boys adjusted to the new course, especially Christian after had a 109 on the first day before he shot a 93 on the second day. Baskett had an 88 on the first day and 90 on the second day.

“It was getting some repetitions on that golf course, knowing where to miss and where not to miss,” Orr said. “You’ve got to play out of the fairway to score well there. They knew what they needed to do.”

Orr said they weren’t satisfied with their performances on the first day but were happy with their overall performance on the second day. He said he was really happy about how they did.

In his first season back, Orr said he was glad to have this group and to have them returning next year. He said he felt bad that he couldn’t take Pacey Reading, too, but said he played well at districts since he missed the cutoff by one stroke.

For next year, Orr said the rest of the team was there to watch to give them some motivation and already had some plans laid out for them this summer. The Indians can improve by doing various drills, but Orr also encouraged them to find tournaments so they become accustomed to the competitive state atmosphere.

“You got to get them involved in other tournaments and see what other competition is out there,” Orr said. “Get them outside the country club lifestyle that they’re used to and get them out there playing with other kids.”