MONROE - Junior Nick Baumann missed qualifying for the state golf tournament by one stroke last year, a disappointment that's fueled him through this season.
"I expect to make it to state every year," Baumann said. "Last year, I feel there was a lot to learn from that. I feel like I was good enough to make it to state last year. I just have to play my game and not force it."
Baumann's quest to reach the state tournament begins Wednesday with the WIAA Division 2 Madison Edgewood regional at Nakoma Country Club. The top four teams advance to sectionals in addition to the top four individual golfers not on one of the top four teams.
It will be the second time Baumann and the Monroe boys golf team have played on the Nakoma Country Club course. The Cheesemakers played the front nine on the course in a dual match against Edgewood earlier this year. On Wednesday, Monroe will play all 18 holes in the regional.
"It definitely gives us an edge having had a chance to play there and knowing how the greens will roll," Baumann said.
Monroe will be looking to qualify for the sectional as a team for the third straight year.
"Making it to sectionals is a good goal and it is well within our grasp," Baumann said. "We have to have four solid scores. We have to avoid the blow-up holes. If everyone can play solid, I think we are good enough to make it. I think for most of us, it's about making it to state."
Baumann is averaging an 80 in 18-hole matches this season. He just missed making all-conference last week for a Monroe team that took sixth in the seven-team Badger South.
"I have played poorly so far," Baumann said of his season this spring. "I haven't got my game going yet. It seems like it's something different every time that is handicapping my game."
Still, Monroe coach Braden Rindy commends Baumann for his even-keel approach during tournaments. He doesn't get too high or too low if he has a solid shot or struggles with a double bogey on a hole.
"He doesn't throw his club," Rindy said. "He has a good demeanor for his age. He's not a kid where you can tell the game gets to his head and they just crumble because of the pressure.
"He's a strong enough golfer usually if one thing is not working the best, he can go to something else. He's a great golfer when everything is on at the same time."
The top contending teams are Madison Edgewood, which is a heavy favorite to advance to the sectional and state. Other teams vying for a sectional berth in addition to the Cheesemakers are Mount Horeb, McFarland and Edgerton. The Cheesemakers have shot a couple rounds in the 320s this year.
"Typically, a 330 would make it," Baumann said.
Rindy is confident the Cheesemakers will be in the mix for a third straight sectional berth as a team.
"We have it in us," he said. "I think it will be close."
"I expect to make it to state every year," Baumann said. "Last year, I feel there was a lot to learn from that. I feel like I was good enough to make it to state last year. I just have to play my game and not force it."
Baumann's quest to reach the state tournament begins Wednesday with the WIAA Division 2 Madison Edgewood regional at Nakoma Country Club. The top four teams advance to sectionals in addition to the top four individual golfers not on one of the top four teams.
It will be the second time Baumann and the Monroe boys golf team have played on the Nakoma Country Club course. The Cheesemakers played the front nine on the course in a dual match against Edgewood earlier this year. On Wednesday, Monroe will play all 18 holes in the regional.
"It definitely gives us an edge having had a chance to play there and knowing how the greens will roll," Baumann said.
Monroe will be looking to qualify for the sectional as a team for the third straight year.
"Making it to sectionals is a good goal and it is well within our grasp," Baumann said. "We have to have four solid scores. We have to avoid the blow-up holes. If everyone can play solid, I think we are good enough to make it. I think for most of us, it's about making it to state."
Baumann is averaging an 80 in 18-hole matches this season. He just missed making all-conference last week for a Monroe team that took sixth in the seven-team Badger South.
"I have played poorly so far," Baumann said of his season this spring. "I haven't got my game going yet. It seems like it's something different every time that is handicapping my game."
Still, Monroe coach Braden Rindy commends Baumann for his even-keel approach during tournaments. He doesn't get too high or too low if he has a solid shot or struggles with a double bogey on a hole.
"He doesn't throw his club," Rindy said. "He has a good demeanor for his age. He's not a kid where you can tell the game gets to his head and they just crumble because of the pressure.
"He's a strong enough golfer usually if one thing is not working the best, he can go to something else. He's a great golfer when everything is on at the same time."
The top contending teams are Madison Edgewood, which is a heavy favorite to advance to the sectional and state. Other teams vying for a sectional berth in addition to the Cheesemakers are Mount Horeb, McFarland and Edgerton. The Cheesemakers have shot a couple rounds in the 320s this year.
"Typically, a 330 would make it," Baumann said.
Rindy is confident the Cheesemakers will be in the mix for a third straight sectional berth as a team.
"We have it in us," he said. "I think it will be close."
