Thomson's stellar round is a testament to his experience and skill, both as a coach and a competitor. Originally from South Africa, Thomson has been an integral part of the Badgers' golf staff since 2022, bringing a wealth of international experience to the team. But coaching isn't his only forte; Thomson is also a seasoned professional caddie, having worked on the PGA, LPGA, and Korn Ferry tours. His deep understanding of the game from multiple perspectives certainly played a role in his commanding performance on Monday.
For those unfamiliar with his recent achievements, Thomson finished third in the Wisconsin State Amateur just a month earlier, on July 18. This strong showing at the State Amateur no doubt fueled his confidence coming into the State Open, and it’s clear he’s carrying that momentum forward.
But the competition is fierce. Hot on Thomson’s heels are fellow amateurs Max Lyons and Cody Guetzke, both of whom turned in remarkable 7-under 65s. Lyons, an Arizona native currently playing for Marquette University, demonstrated why he’s considered a rising star in the collegiate golf scene. Meanwhile, Guetzke, hailing from Hartland and playing out of the IMG Academy in Florida, matched Lyons shot for shot, setting up what promises to be an exciting battle as the tournament progresses.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Zach Burry of Appleton is lurking just a stroke behind Lyons and Guetzke, with a solid 6-under 66 that puts him in fourth place. Burry’s performance keeps the pressure on the leaders and adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding competition.
And let’s not forget the defending champion, Cameron Huss. Huss, a University of Wisconsin alumnus who recently turned professional, is showing no signs of slowing down. He posted a 5-under 67, placing him in a tie with four other players, all of whom are seasoned professionals. Among them are Charlie Delsman from Lakeland, Florida, Zach Place from Roselle, Illinois, Matthew Meneghetti from Schererville, Indiana, and Daniel Mazziotta from Wisconsin Rapids. Each of these players brings a wealth of experience to the table, making the race to the top all the more thrilling.
What makes this tournament so compelling is the mix of talent—from seasoned professionals to rising amateurs—all vying for the coveted title. Thomson’s early lead is certainly impressive, but with so many capable challengers in the mix, nothing is set in stone. The competition is just heating up, and as the rounds progress, we’re bound to see some thrilling shifts on the leaderboard.
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Thomson's Dominance: Starting with an 8-under par 64 is no small feat, especially in a competitive field like this. His ability to make 10 birdies speaks volumes about his precision and mental toughness.
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Rising Stars: Both Max Lyons and Cody Guetzke are names to watch, not just in this tournament, but in the broader golf scene. Their 7-under 65s are a clear indication that they’re ready to compete at the highest level.
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Defending Champion’s Resilience: Cameron Huss isn’t letting go of his title without a fight. His 5-under 67 keeps him well within striking distance, and his recent transition to professional status adds an extra layer of motivation.
The Wisconsin State Open is shaping up to be a showdown of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Thomson to see if he can maintain his lead or if one of the many hungry competitors will rise to the occasion. With such a strong start, the excitement is palpable, and golf fans are in for a treat as the drama continues to unfold at Minocqua Country Club.
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