Western Dubuque’s Brock Wilson ready for competition and fun at Class 4A state golf meet

Western Dubuque’s Brock Wilson might have been destined to be a golfer.

Though he isn’t certain who took him for his first trip to the golf course at 4 years old. The safe bet is his father, Brian, who has been the head golf professional at Thunder Hills Country Club in Peosta and former All-Big Ten performer for University of Iowa.

“I’m pretty sure it was my dad,” Wilson said. “I’m sure since I was his kid I would have to touch a club at least once.”

From those first memories to entering his final varsity competition, Wilson has meshed a competitive nature with passion for the sport. He has reaped the rewards and will make his third appearance at the Class 4A state meet Monday and Tuesday at Briarwood Golf Club in Ankeny.

Wilson is focused on having a good time with the state’s best during the two-round event.

“It’s a privilege being out here and compete with the best,” Wilson said. “Can’t take it for granted and just have fun.”

Golf has always been an outlet for Wilson’s need for engagement and entertainment. He recalled the Junior Golf Program as a youth, running around the clubhouse, getting friends to play and then competing with future teammates and older players. More golf followed with another contest.

“I’d get done playing and I’d go out and hit as many balls as I could and as fast as I could out on the range,” Wilson said. “I think I was taking seven bags (of golf balls) in a 30-minute span. It was three of my buddies as well.

“We enjoyed it. It kept us out there. We were always competitive. I was always competitive and they might have found it more enjoyable. Overall, it was both.”

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Wilson demonstrated a knack for golf when he started, noting his scores weren’t impressive but better than most. He was on winning teams in junior leagues, capturing a state title with a Dubuque-area team.

Genetics may have impacted his success but Wilson has studied the game and applied that knowledge to developing on the driving range, practice greens and rounds.

“I did have some natural talent,” Wilson said. “I know a lot about the game from my dad telling me stuff and being around people like my dad. It definitely still takes work, no matter what. Natural ability and knowing stuff helps a lot.

“I knew I had talent to be good in the state. Just having a good career in high school, winning a couple summer tournaments.”

Wilson earned his berth with a 3-under 68 for district medalist honors at his home course. He also claimed Mississippi Valley Conference Mississippi Player of the Year with strong play in the final two divisional meets leading up to the postseason.

“He continued to work hard and have a great attitude when he was going through a slump,” Western Dubuque Coach Ben Wilson said. “That is hard for kids but his dedication never wavered. I think that was good for all the other kids to see.”

Wilson enters the state tournament with a 37.8 combined adjusted average. He owns an adjusted 18-hole average of 75.36. Ben Wilson said the senior can finish among the leaders.

“He has the ability to be in the mix,” the Bobcats coach said. “The field is really good and he will need to play his best golf and get some breaks but he certainly has the potential to win it.”

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Class 4A Iowa high school state golf qualifiers

At Ankeny (Briarwood Golf Club)

Gazette area teams: Cedar Rapids Prairie

Gazette area individuals: Christian Cloyd, jr., Linn-Mar; Emery Crawford, sr., Iowa City West; Brock Wilson, sr., Western Dubuque

Other qualifying teams: Ankeny, Ankeny Centennial, Cedar Falls, Dubuque Wahlert, Indianola, Johnston, North Scott, Pleasant Valley, Waukee, West Des Moines Dowling, West Des Moines Valley

Other qualifying individuals (on non-qualifying teams): Ty Faltys, sr., Marshalltown; Grady Sigrist, sr., Norwalk; Blake Harmsa, jr., Sergeant Bluff-Luton; Jack White, sr., Sioux City Heelan; Ty Potter, sr., Southeast Polk

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