Cedar Rapids Washington’s Nile Petersen powers into final varsity golf season

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Washington’s Nile Petersen was never satisfied with silver.

He said he felt he “came up short” with a runner-up performance at the 2019 Class 4A state meet and multiple second-place finishes at the Rotary Pribyl.

All that changed when Petersen claimed the Pribyl boys’ open title earlier this month.

“To finally get that breakthrough win there and realize I am capable of doing it makes me push to new goals,” Petersen said. “I know where my game is and what I am capable of doing. I’m going to try to take that confidence and take the understanding to motivate me and the team to play great this fall.”

After a year hiatus, Petersen will attempt to return to the state tournament and lead the Warriors to the season finale. Class 4A begins competition Thursday, which includes the Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet hosted by Washington at Gardner Golf Course.

“I’m super excited,” Petersen said. “I’ve had a great three years already. The goals are to get in the top five for scoring averages, make a positive run at state, whether that is as an individual or team.”

Washington Coach Dennis Goettel said confidence can be key and that the Pribyl crown can provide a boost. The performance can be indicative of his capability against talented MVC opponents. Sky is the limit for Petersen.

“The competition was outstanding,” Goettel said about the Pribyl. “He beat some very good players.

Petersen was Washington’s first runner-up medalist in 2019, excluding Elmer Hightower ending in a three-way tie behind a group of tri-medalists. Only Mike Hall (1993) and Bennet Hammerberg (2002) finished higher individually.

Unfortunately for Petersen and the rest of the Warriors, district was their last meet. He said he and the team have unfinished business to address.

“We all want to get back there,” Petersen said. “We know we can. It’s just about putting good rounds in and taking it one tournament at a time.”

The 2020 season was dotted with obstacles off the course. Many were affected by the derecho.

The last year and a half has been littered with challenges for most seniors. They dealt with effects from the derecho. The pandemic helped cancel the MVC Super Meet in an attempt to shrink event fields and limit the number of players at one site.

Goettel said Petersen has been impressive leading up to the opener.

“I think he will play more relaxed,” Goettel said. “His summer has been great. He’s got game.”

Petersen has focused on improving his mental approach and chipping. He has worked with Elmcrest Country Club pro and instructor Larry Gladson, instituting a constant pre-shot routine, selecting the club and swinging with confidence.

“I think it’s really easy when you’re playing good golf to just glide through the 18, but when you’re having that off day it can easily get away from you,” Petersen said. “You can’t have that this year, so it’s just taking it a hole at a time. If you have a bad hole, there are plenty left to make birdies and battle back.”

Solid short games can separate players from the field. Petersen has tried to sink chips from the edge of the green. The ability to shave strokes is key against good competition.

“I’ve been trying to hit some lower shots, trying to get more roll out and hole some of those shots off the green,” Petersen said. “I’ve been using that during my summer tournaments and I’m definitely seeing the results pay off.”

Petersen will be a four-year starter, earning individual honors each season. Goettel estimates Petersen has played as many varsity and summer tournaments as anyone he will face. It could benefit him in his last campaign.

“There is no substitute for experience,” Goettel said. “I’d be hard-pressed to find a player with as much experience.

“He can play. He’s an outstanding student, he has a supportive family and his priorities are in line.”