It is already old news that Jordan Niebrugge is the Division 1 State golf champion for 2012. On Tuesday he added this accomplishment to his Wisconsin State Open Championship which he won last summer at age 17.
It has been my good fortune to know the Niebrugges and Coach O'Brien for the past 6 years and I would suggest that their teamwork has enabled Jordan to become the champion that he is. Most readers would be astounded at the level of communication that takes place between coaches and parents and OB would tell you that the constant flow of communication is essential to the success of the student/athlete.
While this component of the mix is necessary, the most important factor is inherent in who Jordan is. Jordan has put in his time: on the course, on the range, on the road and in the classroom. Jordan has been an academic all star as well as an all-conference and all-state golfer. Jordan finished his senior year with a 3.9 GPA, achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.7+ during his four years at Homestead. He also found the time to take 7 Advanced Placement classes at Homestead and logged at least 3 hours/day playing and practicing during the spring semester. Then, homework.
Jordan's tournament results were as stellar as his academics. With the exception of one errant tee shot, Jordan's performance was nearly flawless. He hit 15/18 greens each day and only took 57 putts during the two day tournament. When asked if he was nervous during the competition, his answer was typically understated: "I started out par, birdie, birdie and that helped me get past the initial nervousness".
Jordan's summer schedule will be busy. It starts with the AJGA Footjoy Invitational in N. Carolina, followed by the State Match Play at Hidden Glen. The AJGA Tournament of Champions is hosted at Crabapple, outside of Atlanta followed by the State Amateur at Strawberry Creek. Unfortunately Jordan will be unable to defend his Wisconsin State Open title as his term is beginning at Oklahoma State University during that time. Few student athletes demonstrate the skills and humility that Jordan Niebrugge has shown during his years at Homestead, He has left a legacy to emulate. Best wishes for continued success, Champ!
