Prep Golf: Burtis grabs spot at state tournament

With her senior season coming to a close, Alexa Burtis is going out in style.

The Harrisburg High School senior fired a 44 on the front side and finished with a blistering 42 on the back at Carterville's Crab Orchard Golf Course, securing a spot in this weekend's IHSA State Golf Tournament after being one of two other girls grabbing a spot after a playoff.

Burtis' 86 included just one birdie on the day and said the key for her was solid contact.

"I felt like I played really well for myself. The greens made it tough because nothing would sit and they played fast and firm (Monday). I made good contact with the ball all day and converted on a pay on my playoff hole, hitting a 9-iron about 110 over the trees and onto the green."

Burtis tied for eighth place among individuals, while her teammate Skylar Street shot a 97 for Harrisburg.

Eldorado's Jacqlyn Artman also played as an individual, finishing with a 101. The Eagle senior shot a 50 on the front side and finished with a 51 on the back with a pair of par's on the day, getting one on No. 2 and another on No. 5.

The state tournament will be held this weekend at Red Tail Run Golf Course in Decatur.