Grant Union golfer Emily Springer putts her ball in the hole, competing at Friday's home invitational. Standing with her are, from left, Madison Combe of Heppner, Caitlyn Scrivner of Heppner and Athena Tipton of Grant Union.

Grant Union’s golfers played well on their home course, the girls placing second and the boys third at the Grant Union Golf Invitational Friday.

Competitors this year at the John Day Golf Club were greeted with a sunny, temperate day. By contrast, participants had to bundle up at last year’s tournament as a snowstorm blanketed the course.

“I’m glad it’s not snowing this time,” said Lilli Burns of Vale. “It’s nice, and I really like the grass.”

Grant Union’s Emily Springer said she was happy her family came to watch the tournament.

“I have a really nice group,” she said.

Grant Union’s Athena Tipton also liked their golfing group.

“All the girls are really nice, and it’s fun to meet people from different areas,” she said.

Caitlyn Scrivner of Heppner said the local scenery, field and green have a unique feel.

“Being in John Day is great,” she said, adding the course reminded her of Bend.

Grant Union’s Duane Stokes, who won the boys individual competition, said he was happy about the warm weather and strong golfers.

“I’m glad to finally be able to compete with good competition on a nice day,” he said.

Enterprise’s Brycen Locke was also glad the weather was sunny.

“It’s a great day to golf,” he said. “I’ll hopefully make it worth the trip.”

Others in the group commented on the John Day course.

“The golf course is in great shape,” said Kellen Grant of Heppner.

“And the greens are fast,” added Jake Keady of Burns.

Ron Lundbom, at the event, said the golfers seemed to be enjoying themselves.

“We have seven teams representing 60 kids,” he said. “Everything is moving along great.”

The Grant Union girls placed second with 487, after Heppner, which came out on top with 387. Placing third was Vale with 523.

The winner for the girls was Nicole Propheter of Heppner with 91, followed by Sophie Grant of Heppner with 92 and Claire Grieb of Heppner with 101.

For the Grant Union girls, Fallen Bolman shot 111 for fifth, Kaytlyn Wells 121, Makenna Culley 121, Springer 134 and Maddy Way 139.

The Grant Union boys placed third with 408. Heppner shot a 359 for first, and Burns shot 398 for second. Enterprise came in fourth with 423.

The winner was Grant Union’s Duane Stokes with 83, followed by Cason Mitchell of Heppner with 85, Kellen Shelley of Grant Union with 88 and Logan Burright of Heppner with 89. Grant Union’s Devon Stokes scored 99, and Parker Manitsas scored 138.

Lundbom said he was happy to see his teams place, as well as the individuals.

“The scoring keeps improving overall, and that’s what we want,” he said. “The hamburger feed was awesome, and everyone wants to come back next year.”

A fundraiser was held Sunday for the Grant Union golf program with over 32 golfers competing in a scramble, 50/50 drawing and a putting contest.

“The winning team was 7 under, and Kathleen Lee won the drawing,” Lundbom said. “A big thank you to everyone who donated, played, and the golf course, whose support is greatly appreciated.”

Grant Union traveled to Burns for a five-team tournament on Wednesday.

For the boys, Burns came out on top with a team score of 377, Lakeview 392, Grant Union 433, Nyssa 514 and Vale 544.

The winner was Duane Stokes with an 85, followed by Reese Raines of Lakeview with 86, Devon Stokes of Grant Union 92 and Dakota Ceja of Burns 92. Grant Union’s Shelley was fifth with 94, and Manitsas scored 162.

For the girls, Grant Union came out on top with 519, followed by Nyssa with 535 and Vale with 561.

The winner was Zanizia Suarez of Nyssa with 110, followed by Miranda Raven of Vale with 118 and Wells of Grant Union with 120. Also for Grant Union girls, Culley scored 144, Way 143, Bolman 127 and Springer 129.

“It was a very cold and windy day in Burns,” Lundbom said. “Both teams placed, and we built some confidence heading into the last two weeks of the season.”

Grant Union travels May 4 for the 2A Invitational at 10 a.m. at Buffalo Peaks in Union. The district tournament is Sunday through Tuesday, May 6-8, at the Pendleton Country Club.