GRAND FORKS — The Grand Forks All City Championship’s reigning victor, Josh Bergrud, put himself in a strong position to defend his crown in Saturday’s first round of play.
The two-time champion carded a 68 (4-under par) through the first round at the Grand Forks Country Club, building a three-stroke lead over the competition.
It was a consistent showing from Bergrud. He birdied two par-5s on the front, bogeyed No. 10 and birdied par-5s on the back again.
“Honestly, just drove it well, kept it in play, between the trees,” Bergrud said. “Just putted, made the good five, six-footers that I needed to make. … Pretty steady, just consistent would be the key word there.”
Sunday’s championship and men’s flights will take place at King’s Walk Golf Course. The men’s senior and women’s flights will head to Grand Forks Country Club after playing Saturday at King’s Walk.
“I grew up here, so I’ve been a member at King’s Walk when it first opened … very comfortable there,” Bergrud said. “The last few years I’ve bounced back between the country club and King’s Walk as far as membership, so pretty comfortable on both courses.”
Bergrud is entering the final round focused on his own play, not on thoughts of winning his third All City title.
“I’ve got what I need to do tomorrow, and that’s all I’m thinking about,” Bergrud said. “Whatever happens, happens. Can’t control what other people do. I’ve got my plan, and that’s my focus.”
Dustin Fanfulik and Matt Eggl each shot a 71 to tie for second place in the championship flight. Following Matt Norby in fourth place (72), former UND golfer Ryan Ames, Coltyn Sanderson (a member of UND hockey’s 2016 national championship team) and Grand Forks Red River’s Kolby Koerner are in a three-way tie for fifth (73).
Liz Olson, who will be inducted into the UND Hall of Fame this September for her time on the golf team, put together a six-stroke lead in the women’s flight by shooting a 71. Two other former UND golfers, Morgan Hetletved and Amanda Voigt, each carded a 77 to tie for second.
Olson’s husband, Red River head coach Nathan Olson, hit a 75 to end the day in first place in the men’s first flight. Nate Moen was hot on his heels, shooting a 76. Brian Smith led the way in the second flight by carding a 79, while Ron Piper finished atop the third flight by shooting an 86.
Bill Thoreson finished the first round with a slight lead over the senior championship flight competition, carding a 73. Brad Segall and David Whalen each finished just one stroke behind, 74, to tie for second. Larry Sloan, Wade Olson and Ron Hanson each shot a 76 in a three-way tie for fourth place.
Alex Faber is a sports reporter for the Grand Forks Herald. A Michigan transplant, he graduated from Michigan State University in 2024 with a degree in journalism and minors in history and environmental studies.