School history: Krambeer is MFL MarMac’s first state golf qualifier
MFL MarMac golfer Nick Krambeer is headed to state. The sophomore placed fourth at the May 16 Class 2A district meet at Mediapolis, becoming the first Bulldog golfer ever to earn that achievement. He’s pictured with assistant golf coach Mike Meyer (left) and head coach Jake Wilke. (Submitted photos)
Krambeer shot an 80 over 18 holes at Mediapolis. “It’s probably the best I’ve played all year,” he said.
Krambeer credited his teammates, and brother Ben, for helping his golf game. Pictured (left to right) are assistant golf coach Mike Meyer, golfers Jonah Wille, Quinn McGeough, Ben Krambeer, Nick Krambeer, Sawyer Keehner and Joe Grau and head coach Jake Wilke.
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
MFL MarMac golfer Nick Krambeer is headed to state. The sophomore placed fourth at the May 16 Class 2A district meet at Mediapolis, becoming the first Bulldog golfer ever to earn that achievement.
“It’s awesome—the first time in school history,” Krambeer said.
“I’ve had a lot of people reach out and ask,” added coach Jake Wilke. “I even looked at the record books. As far as I know, this is the first for MFL MarMac. Even looked through the ‘70s MFL teams, which were pretty good, and couldn’t find anything.”
Krambeer shot an 80 over 18 holes, behind Beckman Catholic’s Nate Offerman and West Branch’s Dylan Countryman, who both had scores of 76. Mikey Takacs from Iowa City Regina finished third at 77.
MFL MarMac placed sixth of nine teams with a score of 359. West Branch took the top spot at 325, followed closely by Beckman Catholic at 326, to advance to state as teams.
Joe Grau was MFL MarMac’s next highest finisher, at 28th, with a 90, while Ben Krambeer shot a 93 for 32nd. Quinn McGeough and Sawyer Keehner tied for 44th with scores of 96, and Jonah Wille was 47th after shooting a 97.
Wilke said Krambeer took advantage of good conditions at Mediapolis.
“We’d played the course the day before and he played pretty well. Then, he felt comfortable and his swing looked good the day of,” the coach shared.
“It’s probably the best I’ve played all year,” according to Krambeer.
Golf has been a lifelong sport for Krambeer, who estimated he’s been playing since age 5.
“My dad taught me,” he said, “and I’ve learned a lot since then.”
This season, specifically, Krambeer has worked a lot on his short game—chipping and putting.
“Having good teammates helps me play a lot better,” he added. “And playing with my brother, Ben, is perfect.”
The Krambeers were one of two sets of brothers in MFL MarMac’s top seven golfers.
“It was really cool because not only were they competing against their teammates, but also their brothers. You could tell the days Nick played well, and Ben was mad Nick beat him. Then, if Ben beat him, that would motivate him the other way,” Wilke joked.
In addition to Krambeer’s sectional success, younger brother Ben was the Upper Iowa Conference champion and teammate Grau had the best round average in the conference this season. The Bulldogs were also conference champions as a team for the first time in school history.
Each of the top six golfers will be back next season, which has Wilke excited for the program’s future.
“The ultimate goal is to make it to state as a team. This fuels the fire. It’s going to be huge motivation and a propellant to our entire program,” he said. “A lot of those guys are going to be going down to watch [Nick] and support him and keep him loose. It will be good for Nick to have the support of his family, coach, teammates.”
The Class 2A state golf tournament was held at Coldwater Golf Links, in Ames, on May 23 and 24. Krambeer will play 18 holes each day, so 36 total.
Wilke described the course as phenomenal—likely the best Krambeer has ever played on.
“It’s a links course, so there are no trees. It’s all going to be long grass, and there are some water holes,” Wilke said. “We’ve worked on his putting because the greens are going to be massive. With longer putts, he needs to be able to put the ball within reason to make the second one. We worked on a lot of irons as well.”
Krambeer is looking forward to the experience.
“There’s nothing to lose, so hopefully I can go out and play like I do,” he said.
