Golfers pass their first test

Seven birdies propelled Brian Humphreys to first place in the Jeff Hudson Invitational Sept. 9, on the Tri-Mountain Golf Course in Ridgefield.

The Camas High School junior shot 3-under par 72 to win the 17-school Southwest Washington golf showcase by three strokes. Hockinson’s Diego De La Torre earned second place with an even-par 72.

“I left a couple of shots out there, but I’m not going to complain about that score,” Humphreys said. “Playing well in these invitationals is one of my goals, but winning districts is the main goal. I got a nice little taste of it today.”

Humphreys played in the lead group with Class 3A state champion Spencer Tibbits, of Fort Vancouver, Eddie Abellar, of Union, and Spencer Long, of Columbia River. Humphreys has spent a lot of time on the courses with Abellar and Tibbits, but this was his first time getting to play with Long.

“That was a fun group,” Humphreys said. “The competition is the best part, but we’re also good friends.”

Washougal High School senior Bryce Samwel struggled with his drives on the first few holes, but turned it into a solid round of 76 strokes. He wound up in fifth place overall.

“I just had to reassure myself. Just know that I could play better than I had on the first couple of holes,” Samwel said. “It’s nice to have competition. I wish I could have played better, but I still enjoyed it. This is my senior year. I’ve improved a lot over of years by playing here.”

Camas finished in second place as a team, four strokes behind Union. Abellar and Carson Boyce both shot a 74 for the Titans. Levi Holscher had a 79 for the Papermakers, Blake Gowing added an 83 and Brett Ball rolled in an 84.

Humphreys had a lot of shots to remember, but said his finish on 18 was his favorite. He wanted to reach the green in two, but his second shot sailed over. Humphreys found the ball in the short rough beyond the green. He chipped on and knocked in his seventh birdie.

“That was a nice surprise,” Humphreys said. “Accomplishing what you’re working on in practice is not the same thing as in tournaments. It’s nice to be able to do it in an competitive environment.”