Colby Golfers Battle the Elements, Finish Fifth at Northwest Kansas Challenge Cup

Battling scorching heat, high winds, and lightning-fast greens, Colby’s golf team held their own against a tough field at the 35th annual Northwest Kansas Challenge Golf Cup, hosted this year at the Oberlin Golf Club on July 27th. The team posted a combined score of 696, finishing fifth among the seven competing towns.

The event—founded in 1990 by legendary golf promoter Kay Melia—has long been a summer staple for area golfers. This year marked a return to Oberlin’s notoriously tight and punishing course, made even tougher by 30 mph gusts and firm greens that gave even veteran players fits.

“This was the toughest I’ve seen the Oberlin course play in 40 years,” said Colby’s Scott Focke, who not only played in the event but also helps organize it. “It was a grind mentally and physically. You couldn’t miss your spot by much.”

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Colby was led by Focke himself, who turned in a 83 despite struggling with a four-putt on the final green. He was joined by Gabe Stanley and Travis Glassman, who each carded 85s, and Isaiah Rosales, who followed close behind with an 87. Other team members included Eli Koerperich (100), Kyle Molstad (90), Ray Haug (89), Jake Harper (91), Matt Simms (96), Jason Smith (93), and Greg Appel (86).

“It’s a true test of golf—no mulligans, no gimmicks, just straight-up play,” Focke said. “Everyone plays the course exactly as it is. It’s a great tradition.” Teams are comprised of eleven golfers, and then the top 8 scores are reported for team scores. With the tournament focused on a team aspect, the tournament does name top medalist and runner-up.

Colby’s fifth-place finish placed them behind Hoxie (657), Atwood (678), Norton (690), and Goodland (692). Rounding out the field were Oakley (705) and Oberlin (744). Hoxie’s Ashton Dowell won top honors with a (74), while Easton Fink from Oakley finished close behind with a (75).

One of the standout storylines this year was the emergence of young talent across the field. Hoxie’s team, which captured the Challenge Cup for the first time in years, was powered by golfers aged 17 to 20—some of whom had recently made noise at the state high school level.

“That youth movement was noticeable,” Focke noted. “The top individual scores came from young guys who weren’t afraid of the moment.”

Now in its 35th edition, the Challenge Cup rotates host courses each year, giving communities the opportunity to showcase their hometown layouts and hospitality. Next year’s event is scheduled to take place in Norton.

Focke and the organizing committee are also seeking regional sponsors to help continue growing the tradition. “It’s not just a golf tournament—it’s a connection point between generations, families, and communities,” he said. “And we want to keep it going strong.”