Prospect Ridge Academy graduate Walker Franklin has qualified for one of the premier golf tournaments in the state, earning his spot in the $250,000 Inspirato Colorado Open, set to begin play this Thursday through Sunday at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club.
Franklin (Class of 2020) had a decorated prep career with the Miners as he was a two-time Colorado High School Player of the Year, helping PRA to a pair of runner-up finishes at the Class 3A State Championships.
After spending two seasons with the University of Louisville, Franklin transferred to the University of Texas-San Antonio ahead of the 2023-24 season. The 22-year-old, soon to be college senior solidified his spot in the 60th Colorado Open field on Monday when he carded a 5-under-par 66 at CommonGround Golf Course during the fifth and final qualifier.
A total of 65 players competed in the qualifier, with only nine professionals and Franklin earning their way into the 144-player field for this week’s open.
Franklin's accomplishment was featured in Wednesday's section of Where good news shines in the Denver Gazette.