First match sets high bar
The Bluffton High School boys golf team began its 2026 season with a dominant performance, defeating Ft. Jennings in a dual match on August 3 by a margin of 39 strokes. The Pirates totaled 363, while their opponents came in at 402. Ethan Fifer was the standout for Bluffton, finishing the 18-hole match with an 84 to claim medalist honors.
Caleb Fifer matched the performance of Ft. Jennings' Connor Leis, shooting an 86 to tie for second place. Landon Byers placed third with a score of 94. Caleb Dailey and Owen Brauen both recorded 99s, rounding out the scoring for the Pirates.
Royal Invite tests depth
Just two days later, the Pirates competed in the nine-team Elmwood Royal Invitational, held at Birch Run Golf Club on August 4. Bluffton finished a strong second, posting a total of 339, just 10 strokes behind the top-ranked Carey squad, which scored 329. Gibson Meyer and Coby Dailey led the way for Bluffton, each shooting an 84 in the event.
Caleb Fifer added an 85, and Landon Byers contributed an 86. Owen Brauen and Ethan Fifer recorded scores of 88 and 93, respectively. On the winning side, Carey's Dalton Roberts and Jordan Hertel each shot 81s to lead their team to victory.
Next meet looms
The Bluffton Pirates are set to host two Northwest Conference opponents—Crestview and Columbus Grove—on August 6. The team will look to build on the momentum from their strong dual match win and solid showing at the Elmwood Royal Invitational.