Kyle Colyn came up a few strokes short of becoming the first golfer in Ripon Christian history to qualify for the CIF Northern California Regional Championship Tournament.

The Knights’ incoming senior still had one of the best postseason runs throughout the area and capped his junior campaign with a 1-over 73 at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Tournament at the Reserve at Spanos Park May 12.

Colyn, who also carded a 1-over 73, championship-effort at the Division VI Tournament at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento May 5, was named the Bulletin’s 2014 All-Area Boy’s Golfer of the Year for his efforts.

“It was good to see the hard work pay off at the end of the season,” said the 6-foot, 3-inch Colyn.

The life-long Ripon native has been on the links since the age of six. Colyn was raised on the greens and still spends plenty of time at local country clubs. He is currently a member of the Oakdale Golf & Country Club and he takes full advantage of that luxury as well.

“We joined Oakdale last summer,” he said. “I’ve also been a member at Spring Creek.”

Despite Colyn’s size, the strength of his game hasn’t been with his driver. In fact, Colyn’s use of his irons and short game has been a significant reason for the his successes.

“Heading into the year, (we) were a little worried about his distance and there were some guys who could hit the ball past him,” Ripon Christian head coach Kevin Schenk said. “But Kyle has worked very hard at his ball flight, but his strength has been in his short game. The kid can get up and down from absolutely anywhere.”

Colyn didn’t have as much distance as a cross-town foe Nick Sharp from Ripon High, but his shorter more consistent game paid dividends down the stretch of the season under a little rougher, windier conditions.

Despite the Knights’ boys’ golf team finishing second in the Southern League this past season, Colyn was still crowned the league’s MVP for a second straight time. He was the medalist at every match this season, including the SL Tournament at Pheasant Run in Chowchilla.