Republic’s Bekemeier, Heavin advance to state golf tournament at Rivercut Golf Course

Republic golfers Cason Bekemeier and Luke Heavin qualified for the state tournament Monday at the Class 5 District 3 tournament at Payne Stewart Golf Course in Springfield.
Bekemeier shot an even-par 70 to make his third consecutive state tournament, becoming the first three-time qualifier from Republic since his cousin, Dylan Bekemeier. Heavin carded a 74 to earn his first state berth.
Bekemeier played 1-under through nine holes and limited mistakes throughout his round.
“I came out here pretty nervous, just trying to make as many pars and as few mistakes as I could, and I really limited a lot of mistakes for today, so I played well,” Bekemeier said.
Heavin took a strategic approach, focusing on course management over distance. After a difficult three-hole stretch where he went 3-over, he recovered with a birdie on his 17th hole and made par on the final hole to clinch his spot.
“I’m not hitting it as far as a lot of the other guys, but I know I can play a lot smarter than the rest of them, and I know I can put myself in good positions to score well,” Heavin said.
The state tournament will be held at Rivercut Golf Course. Both golfers are familiar with the venue, with Bekemeier having played it numerous times and Heavin working there part-time.
As a team, Republic tied Ray-Pec for ninth with a score of 314. Junior Ryder Edmonds shot 83, seniors David Hayes and Porter Bollinger posted 87 and 95.
Heavin and Bekemeier are the first Republic players to qualify for state in the same year since Dylan Bekemeier and Beau Allen in 2013.