MONROE - Two Monroe alumni are shooting to finish at the top at the Wisconsin State Amateur Golf Championships next week.
Both Kyle Bruce and Brent Quade have high expectations for making a run at the 111th annual State Am Championships that start Monday at Strawberry Creek in Kenosha.
Bruce, who is going to golf at Marian University in Fond du Lac, has golfed in about 15 tournaments this summer.
"I'm just trying to play my best golf," Bruce said. "I have been playing pretty good. If I make the first cut that would be great and if I don't make the cut, I will just be happy that I made it here."
Quade won medalist honors to power Edgewood College to the team championship at the Northern Athletics Conference men's golf tournament this spring, securing the Eagles' first-ever berth to the NCAA Division III championship. Edgewood College finished 32nd at the NCAA Championships, but Quade has used the experience as a springboard.
"It was a good way to end college and cap it off," Quade said. "I'm sure the guys on the team would say we didn't play our best golf. I'm taking one last summer and playing my favorite amateur tournaments and taking one more shot at those before I get a full-time job."
Bruce played the links-style Strawberry Creek course two years ago in a Junior Golf tournament.
"It has long grass and there are no trees," Bruce said. "It's the opposite of Monroe. I like the links style. It fits more to my game."
Quade hasn't played at Strawberry Creek before, but this will be his third state Am.
"In past State Ams the fairways are fast and the rough is a little longer," he said. "I like to pick my club off the tee. I usually play it safe off the tee and keep it out of the rough. I just want to hit the ball well and contend. It's been hit and miss lately."
In June, Quade shot a 1-under-70 to finish third at the Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove to qualify for the state Am. Bruce shot a 76 and just finished above the cut.
"It was a great feeling," Bruce said. "It was cool to qualify in my first time."
Bruce said the biggest challenge will be getting over the nerves on the first tee. He and Quade are going to play a practice round at Strawberry Creek on Sunday. Kyle's father, Jim Bruce will serve as his caddy during the tournament.
"He really helps me keep my head in it," Kyle said of his father. "If I hit a bad shot he will tell me I can get it back."
Both Kyle Bruce and Brent Quade have high expectations for making a run at the 111th annual State Am Championships that start Monday at Strawberry Creek in Kenosha.
Bruce, who is going to golf at Marian University in Fond du Lac, has golfed in about 15 tournaments this summer.
"I'm just trying to play my best golf," Bruce said. "I have been playing pretty good. If I make the first cut that would be great and if I don't make the cut, I will just be happy that I made it here."
Quade won medalist honors to power Edgewood College to the team championship at the Northern Athletics Conference men's golf tournament this spring, securing the Eagles' first-ever berth to the NCAA Division III championship. Edgewood College finished 32nd at the NCAA Championships, but Quade has used the experience as a springboard.
"It was a good way to end college and cap it off," Quade said. "I'm sure the guys on the team would say we didn't play our best golf. I'm taking one last summer and playing my favorite amateur tournaments and taking one more shot at those before I get a full-time job."
Bruce played the links-style Strawberry Creek course two years ago in a Junior Golf tournament.
"It has long grass and there are no trees," Bruce said. "It's the opposite of Monroe. I like the links style. It fits more to my game."
Quade hasn't played at Strawberry Creek before, but this will be his third state Am.
"In past State Ams the fairways are fast and the rough is a little longer," he said. "I like to pick my club off the tee. I usually play it safe off the tee and keep it out of the rough. I just want to hit the ball well and contend. It's been hit and miss lately."
In June, Quade shot a 1-under-70 to finish third at the Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove to qualify for the state Am. Bruce shot a 76 and just finished above the cut.
"It was a great feeling," Bruce said. "It was cool to qualify in my first time."
Bruce said the biggest challenge will be getting over the nerves on the first tee. He and Quade are going to play a practice round at Strawberry Creek on Sunday. Kyle's father, Jim Bruce will serve as his caddy during the tournament.
"He really helps me keep my head in it," Kyle said of his father. "If I hit a bad shot he will tell me I can get it back."
