Hopper, Cowan stage amazing duel in Husky Golf Classic
One of the more remarkable duels in Oklahoma High School golf was staged yesterday between future University of Oklahoma Sooners Jake Hopper of Norman North and Ryder Cowan of Oklahoma Christian.
Playing in the Husky Golf Classic at Lincoln Park West, both players went out in 3-under 68 on the first 18 holes of a 36-hole tournament. Then the fun began.
Playing together in the final round, Hopper fired an 8-under 63 to Cowan’s 7-under 64 to edge him by one shot for the individual title.
Hopper birdied the 17th hole to go two up, but Cowan nearly holed out on the 18th hole, hitting his second shot to a foot for a tap-in birdie. Hopper then left his birdie putt for a 62 a couple of inches short.
Hopper, a senior, has signed with Oklahoma, while Cowan has given a verbal commitment.
“They battled it out pretty good,” said Hopper’s father Brandon, who followed the group. “It was fun to watch.”
Norman North won the team title by 20 strokes over Jenks, Grant Gudgel of Stillwater took third place place individually with rounds of 70-71.