Senior Jack Winkel is the top returning player for the Ankeny Centennial boys’ golf team. He led the Jaguars last year with a nine-hole average of 38.6 strokes.
Winkel, a two-time state qualifier, tied for 29th place in last year’s Class 4A state meet. He shot a two-day total of 164 at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club.
The Jaguars will open the season on Monday by hosting the Centennial Invitational at Briarwood Golf Club.
Here is some inside info on Winkel:
How was your summer? Did you play in a lot of tournaments?
I had a great summer full of playing golf and playing in various golf tournaments in Iowa.
Do you feel like your game is in pretty good shape going into the season?
I feel good about my game going into the season.
What do you think is the strongest part of your game?
I would say the strongest part of my game would just be overall consistency.
Your team returns four of the top six players from last year’s squad that tied for 10th place in Class 4A. So do you have pretty high expectations for this team?
Yes, I have fairly high expectations because I know how talented our team is.
What are your goals–for you and the team?
I believe a reasonable goal for our team is to qualify for the state tournament.
As a senior, are you trying to be a leader for the squad?
Knowing that it is my last year as a high schooler, my goal is to lead my team to victory every time we step on the golf course.
Waukee has won the last three state titles, but is now splitting into two high schools with the opening of Waukee Northwest. Who do you think will be the team to beat?
Waukee always seems to have a competitive squad, but I don’t know how a split will affect them. What I do know is that my squad will be trying to score as low as possible regardless of the competition.
This year’s state meet will be held at Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls. Have you ever played that course?
I have yet to play Beaver Hills.
Your brother CJ was a standout golfer at Centennial who went on to play for Oklahoma City University. Would you like to follow in his footsteps and play at the collegiate level?
I do hope to play collegiate golf, but where I haven’t decided.
Your dad, Chris, is the longtime coach at Grand View. Would you be interested in playing for him?
It is true I could go play for my dad at GVU, but for now it is just an option.
What do you plan to study?
I plan to study in the field of business.