"Just trying to get better each day:" Local amateur golfer's future is limitless



HARTFORD -- His success started early on golf courses in and around Mequon. Now, Jordan Niebrugge is finishing up his final year of college and finding success on the world's oldest and most famous courses against the best players in the world.

Jordan Niebrugge



"It was good. The course is in awesome shape. It's probably the best I've ever played," said Niebrugge.

On a beautiful, recent fall day at Erin Hills Golf Course, Niebrugge was feeling extremely comfortable with where he is and where his golf game is.

"I played pretty well. I just made a couple of dumb mistakes here and there. I ended up getting the last two rounds, a pretty good score out of it," said Niebrugge.

A native of Mequon, Niebrugge played the course with his Oklahoma State teammates as they had a successful three days at the Erin Hills Intercollegiate Golf Tournament, finishing in second place -- behind SMU.

"It was playing pretty easy out there because the wind was pretty much a non-factor all three days," said Niebrugge.

Jordan Niebrugge



However, earlier in the summer at the Open Championship at St. Andrews, the weather was a huge factor for Niebrugge and the rest of the field. Despite the conditions, Niebrugge showed that as a college senior, he's ready to compete with the best in world, finishing as the best amateur on the old course and sixth overall.

"It's pretty amazing. I just had a lot of fun. Trying to enjoy every minute of it. And each experience I'm trying to soak in and I feel like I've enjoyed every minute, whether it was the Open this summer or the Walker Cup," said Niebrugge.

Walker Cup



After his top ten finish at the Open, he represented the United States as part of the Walker Cup team, as he was the only player to make the team for a second straight time.

"It definitely gives me a lot of motivation to keep going and keep practicing. And to just have those experiences, I'm pretty fortunate to have played in the Walker Cup twice and play in the Open and get that experience as well," said Niebrugge.

While Team USA came up short at Royal Lytham & St. Anne's Golf Course in Lancashire, England, he's using his personal successes to help him back here as he enters his final collegiate golf season with the cowboys.

Jordan Niebrugge



"This last year of school, I'm really trying to soak it in. And it's crazy that I'm already a senior here at Oklahoma State. We're just trying to get better each day and at each tournament. Hopefully we can get a shot at the national championship again," said Niebrugge.

While some may question why he returned for his senior year instead of turning pro after such an eventful summer, it was never a question for Niebrugge.

"No, not at all. I was looking forward to coming back, being with the team and the coaches. I still like to think I could get much better. Get more consistent out there and hopefully get ready for beyond this," Niebrugge said.

Jordan Niebrugge



And beyond this could mean a return to Erin Hills in 2017, for the U.S. Open.

"It's a good thing to think about. It's been one of my goals since it's been on the list. And I look forward to getting here and being able to compete right here in the home state," said Niebrugge.

And in front of friends and family that have been at his side since the beginning at courses in and around Mequon.

"I just enjoy playing in front of those people. Just try to do my best for them," said Niegrubbe.

Niegrubbe says he's focused on his senior year of golf -- hoping to win a conference championship and a national championship with his Oklahoma State teammates.

However, once his amateur career is over, his goals are to reach the PGA Tour and win at that level.