Northern Colorado teen makes history with 59 in golf tournament

Austin Barry, a high school golfer from Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, made headlines by shooting an impressive score of 59 during a tournament at Harmony Club in Timnath. This remarkable achievement is rare, even among professional golfers, and showcases Barry's exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. His head coach, Jamie Menefee, acknowledged Barry's skills but was surprised to witness such a historic performance from a teenager. Menefee had been coaching for over 11 years and had never anticipated seeing a student achieve a score under 60. Throughout the tournament, Barry maintained a strong performance, defying expectations as he progressed through the final nine holes. As he approached hole 16, more spectators began to follow his game, and Menefee started to believe that Barry could indeed achieve the elusive 59. The coach described the feat as capturing 'lightning in a bottle,' emphasizing the rarity of such an accomplishment in high school golf. To secure the score, Barry needed to sink a putt on the final hole, which he successfully did, showcasing his composure under pressure. Menefee noted that while Barry remained calm, he himself felt more nervous during the final moments of the game. Barry's achievement not only highlights his potential but also sets a high bar for his future in golf. Having accepted a scholarship to play at the University of Wyoming, Barry aspires to turn professional. However, he recognizes that the 59 he shot may be one of the best scores he achieves in his golfing career, reflecting both the significance of the moment and the challenges that lie ahead.