Montezuma-Cortez High School graduate and University of New Mexico freshman Thayer Plewe was named Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year during his first year with the team. He also finished one stroke out from qualifying for the U.S. Open while competing at the Del Paso Country Club sectional earlier this month.
Plewe tied for fifth in a field of 77 golfers, about 30 of which were professionals, at the 36-hole sectional competition in California. The top four advanced to the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York.
Plewe’s mother, Monica Plewe, shared that a highlight of his run at sectionals was having his sister, Kiselya Plewe Salcedo, as his caddie. Salcedo is a PGA professional with the Indiana Golf Association and flew in from Indiana for her brother’s tournament.
Prior to starting his secondary education and golf career at UNM, Plewe lived in Portugal for a two-year mission. There, he served as an assistant to the mission president, as well as becoming fluent in Portuguese, training other missionaries in northern Portugal, teaching English, participating in service projects and sharing his faith.
Plewe, who plays left-handed despite being right-handed, first began swinging a club when he was 2-years-old while mimicking his older siblings, Monica Plewe said. He began competing in under-8 events at 5-years-old.
Now, on UNM’s campus, Plewe majors in business and holds a 4.0 GPA. He also works at the Twin Warriors Golf Club.
Despite the disappointment of barely missing qualifying for the U.S. Open, Monica Plewe shared a touching moment following the game.
“Even with his close miss at the U.S. Open sectional, he took the time to visit with a young spectator,” Monica Plewe told The Journal. “The kid came running to the car (after that long walk up) asking Thayer to autograph a ball. Devastated with disappointment, Thayer still took time with him. Thayer took out one of his gloves and signed it for the young man and took a picture with him. He loves the game of golf and gives back to the game any time he gets the chance. He will share it with anyone that wants to learn or play.”
Plewe has received invitations to three elite amateur tournaments this summer. His goals include another attempt at U.S. Open qualifying, top finishes in summer tournaments and a “strong” sophomore season with the Lobos in 2026-27.
bduran@the-journal.com
