By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
An eagle on the par 5 16th hole at University Ridge Golf Course, slammed the door shut on the competition, as Merrill’s Russell Dettmering closed in on his WIAA Division 1 state championship title. Dettmering shot a 66 (-6) on Tuesday, finishing the two-day tournament with a score of 137 (-7).
“The state tournament has always been something I’ve wanted to win,” Dettmering said. “After finishing fifth last year, I was even more motivated to win this year.”
Dettmering came into Day 2 of the tournament with a score of 71 (-1), trailing Badger’s Blake Wisdom by one shot. On Day 2, however, Dettmering dominated, scoring five birdies and an eagle, while only taking bogey on one hole. The second day surge was enough to give Dettmering a big cushion, as he claimed the state title by six strokes.
With his 36 hole score of 137, Dettmering joined elite company of only five golfers to score under 140 at state, since it’s move to University Ridge Golf Course in 1994. Dettmering also found himself one shot short from tying the WIAA state golf scoring record of 136 (-8), held by Andy Hansen and Jordan Niebrugge, both of Homestead.
“I played out of my mind on the last day,” added Dettmering. “I was striking the ball well all day and putted lights out. My mentality has changed a lot since last year. I have a bunch more experience at that course and that experience is what helped me score so low.”
Looking into the future, Dettmering set his standards high for his senior season.
“My goal for next year is to win every tournament I play in.” he said.
The top five finishers: Russell Dettmering- 137 (-7), Jack Blair of Marquette University- 143 (-1), Drew Sagrillo of Marquette University- 145 (+1), Blake Wisdom of Badger- 145 (+1) and Cameron Huss of Kenosha Tremper- 146 (+2).