Fun on the fairways: Cedar Rapids Washington’s Preston Haefner thrives by enjoying time on the golf course

CEDAR RAPIDS — Preston Haefner has a simple approach to his final varsity golf season.

The Cedar Rapids Washington senior is focused on enjoying each time on the course.

“I’ve learned that when I’m out there having fun I tend to play better,” Haefner said. “My goal has been to have fun. It’s led to lower scores.”

Haefner has produced a strong start to this fall, ranking in the top 10 of multiple 18-hole scoring categories in Class 4A. Haefner has tied for first in two of four competitions, including his latest meet last Thursday against Dubuque Hempstead, Iowa City Liberty and Waterloo West at Brown Deer Golf Club in Coralville.

“The first couple weeks have gone well,” Haefner said. “I’ve been having a good time, which has been great and that’s what it’s more about than success, my scores and stuff.”

Haefner has played loose and more relaxed thanks to the emphasis on mentality. He devoted time in the offseason, working with former University of Iowa and National Football League kicker Nate Kaeding. Haefner learned mental tips during their meetings. Haefner also worked with Cedar Rapids Country Club pro Davis Sutton, developing a calmer demeanor from shot to shot.

Sutton helped with Haefner’s swing and with the mental game, showing him examples of how players stay level-headed when things don’t go perfectly.

“Just played with better golfers,” Haefner said. “He had me playing with better players. He says watch this and how he doesn’t get too mad at himself. I’m just trying to be like those players.”

Family has made an impact on Haefner’s love of the game. Haefner recalled going to the course with his dad, Jason, who would let him play a couple holes. He also noted rounds with older brother, Whit, who was a four-time state participant for the Warriors. They have always had good-natured competition, which has helped with some intangibles.

“He always pushed me,” Haefner said of his brother. “I may be better than him on paper but when we’re playing together it seems like it comes down to the final hole. He’s been a big factor in me becoming mentally tougher.”

Haefner has parlayed that effort into improved results. He is posting his best rounds of his career. He is tied with Linn-Mar’s Christian Cloyd for eighth with a 71.77 adjusted 18-hole score and is ninth in 18-hole average (71.67). Haefner is also tied for 11th with a 36.14 combined adjusted average, which is more than 3.5 strokes better than a year ago.

“I think my ball striking has been great,” said Haefner, who also plays basketball and tennis. “Off the tee, I’m hitting it straighter and really far. That makes it easy for hitting some wood shots into greens and make the hole a lot shorter. My wedges have been on fire.”

Haefner’s main goal is to earn his first trip to state and compete for a medal. The Warriors captain also wants to see his teammates continue to make progress, playing better as a team. He wants to accumulate more memories over the final month of the season.

“I like golf,” Haefner said. “It’s relaxing to me. I’ve always enjoyed it.”

Jack Rogers ranks among leaders

Iowa City High junior Jack Rogers continues to rank among the top golfers in 4A. Rogers leads the state in all three categories of nine-hole play with a 35 low and average with a 34.70 adjusted average.

Rogers, who tied for fourth at the 2023 state tournament and was first-team all-Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division, ranks fifth with a 70.75 18-hole average and 35.58 combined adjusted average. His 71.38 18-hole adjusted score is good for sixth.

City High will face Cedar Falls, Washington and Western Dubuque in a quadrangular Thursday at Gardner Golf Course.

Class 4A Iowa high school boys’ golf postseason information

The short fall golf season is a little more than a month away from postseason play.

District tournaments will be held on Oct. 7 or 8. Western Dubuque will host the only area district. The Bobcats will play at Thunder Hills Country Club in Peosta.

Norwalk will host a district at Willow Creek Golf Course in West Des Moines. Another district will be held at Ottumwa Country Club. Council Bluffs Lincoln will hold a district at Bent Tree Golf Club.

District assignments will be released at a later date.

The state tournament will be Oct. 14-15 at Briarwood Golf Club in Ankeny.

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