Port senior Krentz hits his stride

Two weeks ago, Port Washington High School freshman Cooper Giese unexpectedly beat the Glacier Trails Conference golfer of the year, West Bend East senior Tony Farchione, in a tiebreaker to reach the sectional final. Last week, it was Eric Krentz’s turn to turn in a surprise.

Krentz hadn’t broke 40 for nine holes or 80 for 18 in his career, but he shot 42-38 for 80 at a Division 1 regional at Quit-Qui-Oc in Elkart Lake to qualify for the sectional at Rolling Meadows in Fond du Lac.

Coach Rory Palubiski didn’t necessarily expect any of his three golfers to advance to state. He gave Krentz some advice before his round.

“I told him you’re a senior. Go play the best round you’ve ever played,” Palubiski said.

Krentz went out early and shot 77 (38-39) at Rolling Meadows in Fond du Lac.

“He would have shot 37. He hit out of bounds on the last two holes and scrambled for bogey on both,” Palubiski said.

Bad shots, he said, don’t bother Krentz.

“He’s one of these kids who shrugs his shoulders,” he said.

Palubiski figured 76 was the number to hit to qualify.

As the day wore on, his score kept looking better. Krentz ended up tying for second with two other golfers, moving him to this week’s state meet at University Ridge in Madison.

That’s not the only shock Palubiski got. He learned over the weekend that Krentz is using his father’s clubs. He didn’t pick up the game until his freshman year and shot in the 90s as a junior.

“Just four years ago and now he’s at state,” Palubiski said.

In practice rounds leading up to state, Krentz beat Palubiski and his assistant coach for the first time ever.

“I could count on one hand the shots that weren’t great,” Palubiski said. ‘“Dude, you’re dialed in,’” he told him.

Port’s Jack Schowalter shot 80, tying for eighth, at the sectional. Giese shot 96.

Grafton’s golfers end season

Grafton didn’t have its best day at the sectional at Rolling Meadows and missed qualifying as a team and didn’t qualify any individuals.

Grafton shot 331, tying for fourth with Cedarburg.

North Shore Conference foe Hartford won with 218, and fellow NSC opponent Slinger shot 319. Sheboygan North shot 328.

Grafton senior Braxton Boehlke shot 80, tying for eighth. Jake Leidel, last year’s NSC Golfer of the Year and a state qualifier two years ago, shot 81. Kendyl Conrad shot 83. Nate McCallister shot 89.