DLN ALL-AREA BOYS GOLF: Conestoga’s Lofland came through in the clutch moments

TREDYFFRIN >> Conestoga junior Morgan Lofland, the Daily Local News 2019 Boys Golfer of the Year, has a knack for coming through in big tournaments.

In the PIAA East Regional tournament, Lofland played the final seven holes in five-under-par to cruise home with a 67 and a first-place finish; then in the PIAA Class AAA state tourney, he began the first round with back-to-back birdies, finishing in ninth place and winning a state medal.

“What separates Morgan from others is his ability to perform in clutch situations and big matches,” said Conestoga golf head coach John Jones. “He has that certain ‘it’ factor that only special athletes have. He thrives under pressure, he welcomes pressure and the moment is never too big. He is a fierce competitor on the golf course.”

Lofland, who lists his iron play as the strongest part of his game, used a sparkling wedge shot on his 12th hole to trigger his hot finish at Regionals. He was even par after 11 holes, but struck a wedge from 95 yards out to within an inch of the hole for a tap-in birdie.

“I remember walking up to that green, feeling something special in the air,” said Lofland. “It gave me momentum for the rest of the round.”

Lofland continued his red-hot streak the following week at the PIAA Class AAA state tournament at Heritage Hills Golf Resort, starting the first round with back-to-back birdies.

He started the round at the short, narrow par 4 10th hole, and after a perfect drive right down the middle, launched a 60-yard wedge shot four feet from the hole. He made the putt, then on the following hole nearly holed a 75-yard wedge shot for eagle, then tapped in for a birdie.

Lofland’s play cooled off later in the round for a 4-over-par 75, then in the final round he carded a couple of late birdies for a 73 and a ninth-place finish, which earned him a state medal.

“I knew I had to put in a lot of work in the second round to place at States,” said Lofland. “When I first realized I had placed in the top 10 I was relieved. All the hard work I had put in the whole season had paid off, especially after a first round as tough as that one.”

As a freshman, Lofland placed 23rd at the PIAA Class AAA state golf championships.

Lofland began his golfing career as a youngster at Phoenixville Country Club, tagging along with his father Scott, an avid golfer.

“At a very young age I developed an interest in the game of golf from my father, who would always take me to the range with him,” said Lofland. “He once told me that when I first picked up a club that he was thrilled he would be able to share his passion in the game of golf with me.

“My father taught me the basics of the golf swing and we worked hard to improve every time we went to the range. The most important thing my dad taught me was to remember that you can’t score without making the putts. This concept stuck with me through my golfing career so far because of how true it is. Anyone can hit the ball, but if you can’t make the putts, then what’s the point?”

Lofland’s favorite hole at Phoenixville is also the toughest one, No. 7, a 210-yard uphill par 3. It’s where he got the second of his three career holes-in-one.

“My favorite thing about this hole is the challenge it sets forth,” said Lofland.

Every winter, Lofland faces a different type of challenge – on the wrestling mat. He compiled a 32-6 record for Conestoga as a freshman, then posted a 30-12 won-loss mark on the mat last winter, finishing sixth at Regionals. His favorite match last winter was in the third round of Regionals, where he defeated a wrestler whom he had lost to twice earlier in the season.

Lofland plans to continue his golfing career for a college program and intends to major in business.

“I have taken a couple of business classes at Conestoga and have enjoyed every second of it,” said Lofland.
Next fall, Lofland will wrap up his fine golfing career at Conestoga, and take a final shot at a state title.

“Morgan has many positive golfing attributes – his focus, preparation, confidence, excellent iron play, and his versatility and creativity on the golf course,” said Jones.

FUN FACTS — MORGAN LOFLAND

Favorite book: Seven Days In Eutopia.
Favorite TV show: The Flash.
Favorite movie: Tin Cup.
Favorite athlete: “Jordan Spieth – because of how he gained so much success so quickly in his career. He has inspired me to style parts of my swing like him, like my backswing and my putting stroke.”
Favorite pre-round pump-up song: Gods Country.
Favorite golf club: “My putter, a Studio Select Newport Scotty Cameron.”
Favorite golf ball: Taylormade TP5x.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: “The beach.”
Favorite pre-round meal: Bacon, egg and cheese sandwich.
Person I most admire, and why: “My parents because of how much they sacrifice for my sisters and I.”
Family members: parents Scott and Linda, sisters Lauren and Janie.