Like a sharp rise generally associated with a climb up Longs Peak, Om Mathur’s journey through his golf career has been nothing short of incredible.

Just two years after he first picked up a driver, the Peak to Peak player, now a senior, ascended to a Class 3A state championship through steady course play, leading both days at RainDance National before capturing the title by two strokes.

His breakout victory led a coalition of local talent on the links last year.

Throughout the rest of the month, we will focus on each fall sport, diving into some of the most interesting storylines and unanswered questions about the programs around Boulder, Broomfield and Longmont.

At their Peak

Mathur, the reigning Daily Camera player of the year, was often described by his desire for greatness no matter what he set his mind to. His versatility through athletics — whether it be golf, fishing or baseball — only illuminated his resolve further through a tougher second day at last year’s state tournament.

A year earlier, he had tied for 20th at the same competition, lagging eight strokes behind 2023’s two-day score of 147.

And while the Pumas’ skill lies straight at the top, Mathur is far from the only returning player to prove his mettle on the course. Junior Jack Brayman, the only other state returner, tied for 15th with a 163 last year. Now, the Pumas will have to figure out who will round out the rest of their top four.

Miles’ high

Much like the lineup that hailed from Lafayette, Fairview’s success lied within its youth last year. Miles Kuhl, then a sophomore, was one of just two Knights to qualify for the Class 5A tournament. He didn’t waste his shot.

Despite an untouchable performance from Rock Canyon’s Charlie Tucker that left the rest of the field wanting, Kuhl put together an even-par performance over two days secure his tie for second place.

He was one of just 15 sophomores in a field that was flooded with seniors, and credited his success to his short game. A year earlier, as a freshman, he placed 59th with a full 17 strokes behind the champion.

Mitts ready for more

Before he ever donned the blue “L” on his chest, Longmont’s Jayson Mitts generated excitement from his coaches. Mitts, then a freshman, began his season with three top-five finishes, including a 3-under-par 68 at Coyote Creek Golf Course in Fort Lupton.

He fell off of his game a bit during the 4A state tournament, shooting 27-over for a tie for 56th, but was one of just five freshman to make it there in the first place and was the only representative from Longmont.

Magic motion

Unlike the meteoric rise of Erie girls golf behind state champions Logan Hale and Hadley Ashton, the boys’ climb has been a bit more gradual.

Following just two state qualifications in 2022 — which landed at 50th and 63rd — the Tigers started to rewrite their own destiny. Last season, they sent a full squad to state, garnering seventh in the team race in the process.

The quartet rode a collective 464 score, just 24 off of state champion Evergreen, to get it there. Then-sophomore Owen Dubois shot up the leaderboard with a tie for 13th (150), followed by sophomores Sean Cary (19th, 152), Cole Reseigh (38th, 163) and senior Hayden Jackson (56th, 169).

Outside of Jackson, the Tigers will be bringing back their top three men.