News Summary

The 2023 WIAA State Boys Golf Tournament is gearing up for an exciting week at the University Ridge Golf Course in Madison. With teams like DeForest making their 10th appearance and individual talents stepping up, the competition promises to be fierce. Notable participants include Madison West and defending champions Lakeland. This year’s tournament is set to showcase some of the best high school golf talent in Wisconsin, as teams and individuals strive for glory on the course.

Excitement Builds for the 2023 WIAA State Boys Golf Tournament in Madison

Golf enthusiasts, get ready for an action-packed week in Madison as the 2023 WIAA State Boys Golf Tournament is back and it promises to be thrilling! This year, golfers will take to the beautiful greens of the University Ridge Golf Course, a perfect setting for our high school stars to shine.

Schedule and Format

The tournament kicks off on Monday morning with the Division 1 state qualifiers teeing off bright and early at 7 a.m. Divisions 2 and 3 will follow suit at noon. But that’s not all! Play will resume bright and early on Tuesday, with Division 2 and 3 golfers getting started at 7 a.m. while Division 1 players will swing into action at noon. It’s a great time to catch the best young talents in the sport!

Spotlight on DeForest

One of the teams to watch this year is DeForest, making its 10th state tournament appearance and third in the last four years. DeForest has shown remarkable talent this season, winning the Badger Large Conference and clinching the Division 1 Oregon sectional title through a nail-biting one-hole playoff against Oconomowoc. The team consists of talented seniors, including Lincoln Hottmann, Kaden Zinkle, and Dylan Bilderback. Hottmann, who was the Division 1 state individual runner-up last year and has committed to UW-Green Bay, is a key player, but the entire team relies on their combined experience and leadership to maintain consistency.

The Rising Stars of Middleton

Buckling up our golf hats is Middleton, where five talented juniors have formed a dynamic team. The golfers, including Sammy Forslund, Reis Von Ruden, and Luke Weiss, are hoping to make their mark. Forslund has a history at the state tournament, finishing 16th place previously, while Von Ruden recently steered the team to a Division 1 victory at the Verona regional, showcasing his skills with a remarkable score of 69. Weiss contributed significantly to their Holmen sectional win by finishing with a fantastic score of 72.

The Madison West Comeback

Another exciting story is unfolding with Madison West, a team with a rich history, holding a record of 15 state championships. However, they haven’t tasted victory since 1995 and are coming off an 18-year state tournament drought, which finally ended this year! Coach Scott Maier believes the key to the team’s resurgence is the veteran energy of seniors like Will Stouffer and Jack McNamara. They have received great support from players like Frank Colbert and Beckett Stouffer, who have shown incredible improvement and strong leadership.

Individual Standouts

On the individual front, golfers like Drew Bindl from Madison Edgewood, Peyton Albers from Waunakee, and Preston Powell from Reedsburg are ready to shine on the course. Albers clinched the medalist title at the Holmen sectional by shooting a solid 71 and has noted familiarity with the University Ridge greens. Meanwhile, Powell has made impressive strides this season, dropping his average score from 93 to 80 and showcasing his progress with a score of 74 at the Holmen sectional.

Championships in the Air

The defending champions, Lakeland, are back to defend their title after an impressive first-state victory last year. Led by standout senior Jeremy Hansen and junior Davis Kock, the team is aiming to repeat their success from last season. Kock has emerged as a significant talent, recently winning the Division 2 Hayward sectional with a score of 70.

A Thriving Competitive Spirit

As the tournament approaches, numerous schools and individuals are gearing up for stellar performances, showcasing the competitive spirit inherent in high school golf across the state. With inspiring stories and promising talent on full display, this year’s tournament at University Ridge is sure to be a memorable event for players and fans alike. Grab your clubs and settle in for a fantastic showcase of athletic prowess and determination!

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