By Andrew Horschak
Sports Correspondent
WIAA Division 1 regional golf tournaments bring out the best in Justin Meseberg.
Bolstered by two birdies on his first two holes, the Burlington senior fired a sectional-qualifying score of 2-over par 74 (37-37) and finished as the runner-up in Tuesday’s eight-team event at Edgewood Golf Course in Big Bend.
“Pretty good start,” Meseberg said. “I had a pretty solid birdie on the first hole and the next hole I chipped in for birdie. It was just off the green, so that was pretty nice.”
Advancing to the sectional for the fourth year in a row, Meseberg will attempt to qualify for his first state tournament on Wednesday, May 31 at Naga-Waukee Golf Course in Pewaukee.
He will have some company, too.
While Meseberg grabbed the first of four individual sectional qualifier spots awarded to golfers whose teams did not finish in the top four, senior teammate Danny Capozzi also moved on thanks to a season-low 83 (39-44). Capozzi was the third individual qualifier and tied for 12th overall.
Only Mason Schulz was better than Meseberg. The Mukwonago sophomore carded a 2-under par 70 (36-34) on the strength of an eagle and four birdies.
In the team standings, Mukwonago bested Kettle Moraine, 306-314, for top honors. Union Grove (338) and Waukesha West (346) also advanced to the sectional. The Demons placed seventh with a 373.
A four-time first-team All-Southern Lakes Conference performer, Meseberg has averaged 77 in his four regionals. As a freshman, he also shot a 74 en route to winning medalist honors at Haskell-Krueger in Beloit. He carded 80s as a sophomore and junior, placing third and fourth, respectively.
The secret to his regional success?
“Staying even-keeled out on the course and level-headed,” he said. “I just try to not get too far ahead of myself and stay in the moment.”
In his first three attempts, Meseberg came agonizingly close to state. He missed by two strokes as a freshman and one stroke the last two years.
“It would be nice to make it this year,” he said, “but I just have to go out there and play my game and take it one shot at a time.”
Brian Dankle was the last Burlington golfer to reach the state tournament in 2014.
Also competing for the Demons in Tuesday’s regional were seniors Reid Moen (103), Weston Uhlenhake (113) and Daniel Rummler (129).
Prior to the sectional, Meseberg said he planned to check out Naga-Waukee with Capozzi and coach Wayne Herrick.
“I haven’t played it before,” he said, “but I’ll go play a practice round and see how the course is.”
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