June 3, 2010 - Results

The team consensus following their first-ever section championship today in the 5AAA tournament was clearly represented by medalist McCabe Buege's assessment of his even par 72,"I played terrible and have a lot of work to do." The team enjoyed a good celebratory meal with some hot, spicy food at Buffalo Wild Wings after their 12 stroke win over Blaine and then went straight to Fox Hollow GC to work on their games.

The Royals depth was on display again as they could have used their four high scores and still prevailed. Their 294 was typical of a season full of sub-300 rounds so how is it they could have played that much better? Colton Buege, who shot a two over par 74, "struggled with distance control the entire round." Morgan Rask started on the difficult West Nine with a 42 (only four players broke 40) and still finished with a solid 77. Derek Brinker bogeyed 4 of his last 5 and still placed second with a one over 73. And just how terrible could Mac possibly have played after being able to hit 11 fairways and and hitting an eight and nine iron for his second shot into two of the par fives, he exclaimed, "I never got closer than 30 feet from inside of 130 yards!"

Also contributing a counting score was Jordan Rykal with a 75. Corey Muenzhuber finished with a 78. Corey also started on the West Nine which seemed to throw a number of players off their games early.

Their is a strong sense among this team that this was a hollow victory and will only have significance if they cross off that last goal. The section trophy is for others to admire. An examination of the recent scores from the other state qualifiers show the next step would definitely be a significant accomplishment. Things are heating up in boys high school golf; and, your Rogers Royals are throwing fuel on the fire.

June 2, 2010 - Preview

The Royals compete in Section 5AAA for the first time tomorrow at Bunker Hills GC. The main difference other than the competition is that this is a one day 18 hole event instead of the two day 36 hole competition as was the case in Section 8AA. The margin for error is reduced considerably and really does not make for an accurate assessment of talent.

Most legitimate ranked tourneys beyond high school require at least 36 and preferably 54 holes. Any good to great golfer can have a bad hole or stretch of holes which can be countered with solid golf over two or three rounds. Any stretch in an 18 hole round can kill an opportunity for advancement. Rogers has fared well in one day tourneys this year, 12- 1, and should advance to state if they can avoid a disaster.

Competing against the #4 ranked Royals in 5AAA are #31 Blaine, #37 Mounds View, #38 Blaine, #41 Centennial, and #45 Maple Grove. St. Louis Park, Totino Grace, Champlin Park, Park Center, Coon Rapids, and Irondale round out the competition. McCabe Buege, Corey Muenzhuber, and Colton Buege are the top ranked individuals in Section 5AAA followed by Maple Grove's #1 player Sam Jensen (#37 overall).

Tee times begin at 7:00 a.m. off the East and West nines with the first Royal, Morgan Rask teeing it up at 7:36. Other tee times are Jordan Rykal 7:48, Derek Brinker 8:00, Corey Muenzhuber 8:00, and Colton and McCabe Buege at 8:06.