Cherry Creek Claimed Record 10th Golf Title
The Bruins secured the 5A boys golf state championship, while Columbine golfer Connor Young captured the individual title.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Golf
Cherry Creek High School broke the record for most boys golf state championships in Colorado history by winning its 10th title. Meanwhile, Columbine High School's Connor Young secured the individual state crown at the Columbine Country Club.
Why it matters
This victory cements Cherry Creek's dominance in Colorado high school golf, while Young's performance marked a milestone for his program. The tournament's high-stakes finish showcased the competitive depth of the state's top talent.
Cherry Creek secured its 10th all-time state championship, setting a new Colorado state record. Connor Young clinched the individual title by one stroke over Crew Fitzgerald, who finished with a two-day score of 143.
The players
Connor Young
He is the first golfer from Columbine High School to secure an individual state championship title.
Cherry Creek High School
This educational institution holds the record for the most boys golf state championships in Colorado history.
Crew Fitzgerald
He finished in second place in the individual competition at the 5A state championship.
Lutheran High School
The school finished as the team runner-up behind Cherry Creek at the tournament.
The details
Connor Young clinched the individual win with a 10-foot putt on the final hole after a back-nine charge that included birdies on holes 7, 8, and 9. Cherry Creek relied on a strong finish as Kelly birdied the final three holes to secure the team's historic win over runner-up Lutheran High School.
Timeline
1957-1981: Cherry Creek won eight of its championships during this period.
2005-2006: Steve Ziegler won consecutive individual titles.
2024: Cherry Creek won the 5A state title.
October 6, 2026: The tournament concluded at Columbine Country Club.
Season Trajectory
Young's immediate aim to secure back-to-back titles follows the historical precedent set by Steve Ziegler, who won consecutive individual titles in 2005 and 2006. This performance solidifies the competitive standard for the upcoming season as programs attempt to chase the historic Cherry Creek dynasty.
The victory by one stroke underscores the razor-thin margin of success at the 5A level, where Young's final 10-foot putt determined the individual champion. Cherry Creek's 10th title establishes the program as the benchmark for future team rankings in the state.
The takeaway
The success of Cherry Creek highlights the importance of late-round consistency in high-pressure team golf. For aspiring athletes, the ability to execute under pressure on the final holes remains the ultimate differentiator between winning and second place.
What happens next
Connor Young intends to attempt to win back-to-back individual titles at next year's state tournament.
Further reading
For more on high school athletics, visit Golf.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CHSAANow.
