MONROE - Two Monroe alums who have been on golf's big stage before are preparing for another run.
Brent Quade and Nick Krattiger are primed for another run at the 108th annual Wisconsin State Amateur Championship July 20-23 at Merrill Hills Country Club in Waukesha.
Quade, a 2007 Monroe graduate shot a 3-over-par 75 at the Legend of Bergamont in Oregon July 1 and was one of six players to survive a 10 player playoff to qualify for the state amateur golf tournament for the second straight year. Quade birdied the 17th to seal his bid to the state amateur tournament.
"I was relieved and excited," Quade said. "It's the people you want to play against in the state. I'm excited to go back. You always think you can do better next year. I'm happy to have the opportunity this year."
Quade transferred from Northern Iowa to Edgewood College where he completed a semester and competed on the Crusaders golf team. Quade, a 2006 WIAA Division 2 state champion said he missed the Madison area since he had several friends in the area.
Quade said if he could play golf in Madison, it would be great.
"I like Madison as a college city and environment," he said.
He doesn't think his second time in the state amateur will give him any edge.
"There are some dinosaurs who have played in these a lot," Quade said. "You are thinking more about playing your game than any anxieties."
Krattiger was an automatic qualifier in the state amateur tournament since he finished seventh in the Wisconsin State Golf Association Open last year and ninth in the overall point standings. Krattiger will be competing in his fourth state amateur golf tournament.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Krattiger said. "I'm really hoping for a top 10 finish."
Krattiger, 2005 MHS graduate, golfed three years at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay before moving to Phoenix, Ariz. to attend the Golf Academy of America where he graduated in April. Krattiger is now the lead golf assistant at Koshkonong Mounds Country Club in Fort Atkinson.
He hasn't given up on his dream of trying to turn pro. He's considering going back south in the winter.
Krattiger said there is a financial aspect in his mission to turn pro and play in some professional tournaments.
"It's hard to find sponsorships," Krattiger said. "I realize I might not have the ability to do it right away. I may have to work first. I'm still planning to turn professional."
Krattiger said the Merrill Hills Country Club has small and quick greens after he played a round at the 6,700-yard course this week. He's convinced the course is tailored to his game.
"It's a similar course to the Monroe Country Club I grew up on," he said. "I feel really comfortable that you won't have to use the four or five-irons on a par-4."
He knows the shorter irons will be the key.
"That's the strength of my game," he said. "I have always been a good putter. I have always had a one-up on everyone putting."
Brent Quade and Nick Krattiger are primed for another run at the 108th annual Wisconsin State Amateur Championship July 20-23 at Merrill Hills Country Club in Waukesha.
Quade, a 2007 Monroe graduate shot a 3-over-par 75 at the Legend of Bergamont in Oregon July 1 and was one of six players to survive a 10 player playoff to qualify for the state amateur golf tournament for the second straight year. Quade birdied the 17th to seal his bid to the state amateur tournament.
"I was relieved and excited," Quade said. "It's the people you want to play against in the state. I'm excited to go back. You always think you can do better next year. I'm happy to have the opportunity this year."
Quade transferred from Northern Iowa to Edgewood College where he completed a semester and competed on the Crusaders golf team. Quade, a 2006 WIAA Division 2 state champion said he missed the Madison area since he had several friends in the area.
Quade said if he could play golf in Madison, it would be great.
"I like Madison as a college city and environment," he said.
He doesn't think his second time in the state amateur will give him any edge.
"There are some dinosaurs who have played in these a lot," Quade said. "You are thinking more about playing your game than any anxieties."
Krattiger was an automatic qualifier in the state amateur tournament since he finished seventh in the Wisconsin State Golf Association Open last year and ninth in the overall point standings. Krattiger will be competing in his fourth state amateur golf tournament.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Krattiger said. "I'm really hoping for a top 10 finish."
Krattiger, 2005 MHS graduate, golfed three years at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay before moving to Phoenix, Ariz. to attend the Golf Academy of America where he graduated in April. Krattiger is now the lead golf assistant at Koshkonong Mounds Country Club in Fort Atkinson.
He hasn't given up on his dream of trying to turn pro. He's considering going back south in the winter.
Krattiger said there is a financial aspect in his mission to turn pro and play in some professional tournaments.
"It's hard to find sponsorships," Krattiger said. "I realize I might not have the ability to do it right away. I may have to work first. I'm still planning to turn professional."
Krattiger said the Merrill Hills Country Club has small and quick greens after he played a round at the 6,700-yard course this week. He's convinced the course is tailored to his game.
"It's a similar course to the Monroe Country Club I grew up on," he said. "I feel really comfortable that you won't have to use the four or five-irons on a par-4."
He knows the shorter irons will be the key.
"That's the strength of my game," he said. "I have always been a good putter. I have always had a one-up on everyone putting."
