May 21, 2011

A year ago in the midst of the stellar 2010 campaign, the Royals found themselves in a bit of a pickle. The Buege brothers had been suspended by the Minnesota State High School League by playing in an outside event not sanctioned by the MSHSL. Even though language in the bylaws allowed the participation it was ambiguous enough that a misinterpretation created quite an unsettling storm in an otherwise sparkling year.

When the clouds cleared the language was changed by the MSHSL and the brothers were reinstated - after the van had already left for the St. Cloud Invitational. The only way they could get there was a ride from a parent and they barely made it in time. It didn't end up being a good day on the course. The team lost their first invitational of the year.

A year later, the Royals won their first invitational of 2011. No suspensions, fantastic weather, and a near record breaking performance was all it took to atone for the debacle of 2010. Three Royals shot in the 70's. Morgan Rask continues to build on his second year of varsity experience. He posted a four over par 76 but a couple of late double bogeys spoiled a otherwise great round. In contrast, Corey Muenzhuber started a little slowly, making the turn at three over. He finished strong with a 74 and tied for fourth place overall. Corey has been extraordinarily steady of late (maintaining his top ten state ranking) and will need to continue to do so heading into the final week of the conference meets and upcoming sections. Jordan Rykal contributed with a 79. Jordan has also been steady and is working hard to get his game in peak condition down the stretch. He also is currently recognized as a top 30 golfer in Minnesota. Other scores for the Royals were Zack Hnath - 80, Andy Suedbeck - 85, and Mac Buege.

The course record at St. Cloud CC is 63. The course was established in 1913. Mac made the turn at six under par - nearly holing out for a double eagle two on the par five ninth.

He got it to eight under after just missing for another eagle at fifteen - set up by a 350 yard drive. Unfortunately, he gave one back with a three putt on the par three sixteenth. At that point the course record was safe but a birdie putt left on the lip at seventeen would have at least given him a share of the record after a chip in bird at the finishing hole. The scorecard shows seven birdies, an eagle, and one bogey. The numbers behind the scores are 12 fairways hit, 16 greens in regulation, and just 27 putts.

The boys finish out the conference season this week at Riverwood GC in Otsego. They have already clinched their fourth straight Mississippi 8 crown. They are trying to extend a 23 conference meet winning streak as they prepare for the 5AAA Section championship.