Neisen wins championship; team takes 3rd

Kenzie Neisen captured an elusive prize Wednesday, June 12. The New Prague High School junior sank a 15-foot putt for birdie on the 18th hole to share the state golf championship with Sarah Burnham of Wayzata. 

Neisen had been so close so many times. She had the first round lead last year before finishing second, and also finished second as an eighth grader. She was fourth two years ago. 

Neisen also led the Trojans to a third-place finish as a team, 16 strokes behind champion Edina. Alexandria was second. 

Neisen had a 72-68—140, while Burnham had a 71-69—140. Two-time defending champion Celia Kuenster of Cretin-Derham Hall was four strokes back, finishing third. All three are juniors and are expected to battle for the title again next year. 

New Prague freshman Taylor Ledwin shot a 77-80—157 and tied for 10th place. 

Read more in the June 20 edition of The New Prague Times.