With The Open Championship starting tomorrow, we decided to highlight a local Wisconsin talent participating at St. Andrews. Jordan Niebrugge, a 21-year old amateur golfer who plays at Oklahoma State, will be playing in his second major professional tournament after participating in the 2014 Masters last year. I caught up with the Mequon, WI native about participating in his second major, hanging out with Tom Watson on Monday, and more.
Zach Rosen: Are you less nervous and more excited playing in your second major?
Jordan Niebrugge: With my experiences at the Masters and at the John Deere Classic, I feel as though I am more prepared and more comfortable with how the event runs throughout the week. I still get a little nervous on the first tee, but that is always something you will have. I am definitely more comfortable out there and feel prepared for what may come my way.
ZR: Looking back on the Masters, what did you learn from that experience?
JN: I learned a lot from my Masters’ experience. I was fortunate enough to play with a lot of great players throughout the week such as Zach Johnson, Steve Stricker, and Mark O’Meara. I learned a lot from them, whether it was about the course or new shots I may want to learn. It was definitely an experience unlike any I’ve had before, and I have great motivation to get back and compete there as soon as I can.
ZR: I saw that you got to hang out with Tom Watson the other day. That was quite the photo. How was that experience?
JN: It was great playing with Tom Watson on Monday this week. It seems as though this is his last Open Championship, so it was pretty special getting the opportunity to play with him this week.
ZR: Are there any pros or other amateurs you have built great relationships with already?
JN: I am set up to play with Rickie Fowler, Morgan Hoffmann, and Jonathan Moore, all of which played golf at OSU. I have gotten to know each of these guys pretty well over the last couple years. I also have built relationships with other pros I have played with such as Zach Johnson, Harris English, Steve Stricker, and others.
ZR: I know it’s early in your career, but is there any pro you feel you emulate your game after?
JN: I haven’t really thought of what other player my game matches up to, but I would like to think a good ball striker like Jason Day or Justin Rose.
Click here for Niebrugge’s bio at Oklahoma State.
ZR: What are your goals this week at The Open?
JN: I have a couple of goals coming into this week, but one of my main goals is coming away with the medal of low amateur. Hopefully that gives a good enough chance to be able to compete down to the very last hole.
ZR: What do you make of Old Course? Does it feel as cerebral as everyone says to play on?
JN: The Old Course is such an amazing place to see. The 18th hole is like no other place I’ve been. It’s pretty special with all of the grandstands up as well; it’s almost a stadium like feel. You can definitely feel/see the history right when you step onto the grounds.
ZR: It’s definitely on my sports bucket list. Any idea who will be in your pairing the first two rounds?
JN: The first two rounds I will be playing with Anthony Wall and Ben An [An Byeong-hun] (7:27 AM BST on Thursday). [NOTE: His tee time is 1:27 AM CT and 2:27 AM ET]
Click here for Niebrugge’s World Amateur Golf Ranking page.
ZR: Early tee time, I guess to be expected. Are there any other amateurs or young guys we should be on the look out for that may not be household names?
JN: Ollie Schniederjans (USA) is also here. He is a good friend of mine; just graduated from Georgia Tech, and won the McCormack Medal for #1 ranked amateur in the world this past year.
ZR: I remember you traveling almost every week in high school to compete. Have you still been able to have a college experience despite traveling and golfing most of the year?
JN: Yes, I’ve had a great college experience at OSU. I have been fortunate enough that our athletics are great to watch. Whether it’s basketball, baseball, or football, we have always been pretty competitive. We also get a little break from golf during the winter time, which is always nice.
ZR: Good luck! We’ll be rooting for you.
Editor’s Note: Jordan and I went to high school together at Homestead High School, graduating class of 2012. He has always been a great and humble guy, and I am glad he is experiencing so much success already in his young career. NOTE: He gave permission for the images.