Follow the leader

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BOYS GOLF PREVIEW: With four starters gone, Chamberlain counts on the leadership of Brad Brunner.

By TERRY JONES
Published August 18, 2005

TAMPA - If Brad Brunner wants to get to return to the high school state tournament this year, he may have to go it alone.

This is not to say that his team, Chamberlain, can't make it to state for the third consecutive season, but, after losing four starters to graduation, it looks to be a little tougher this time.

Brunner, the Chiefs' No. 1, is the only returning player.

"He has led our team into the state finals the past two years and it is my personal opinion, that he is the top boys player in our county," coach Hank Bontrager said. "The other guys respect him and follow his mature leadership as a player and a person."

The 6-foot-4 Brunner appears to have the ability to take the situation in stride.

"We have a lot guys back who were on the team last year, but didn't start," he said. "To make it work each guy will have to work hard on each aspect of each individual's game.

"I plan to do everything I can to help our team get through the district and regional tournaments and take another trip to the state finals. Right now that is the goal."

Experience should help.

As a sophomore, Brunner led the Chiefs to a seventh-place finish at state where he also finished seventh as an individual.

"That was my most memorable event so far in Chamberlain golf," Brunner said. "In order to place seventh I had to make a six-foot putt on the last round on the 18th hole. When I sank that putt, I don't think anyone could know how happy I was."

Except, that is, for his family, in which golf has been a tradition. His grandfather played and his father, Larry Brunner, was a pro. Larry still competes in senior tournaments.

Now the focus is for Brad, who started playing at age 3, to improve every part of his game.

Every day as weather permits he is on the course, hitting as many pitches and putts and drivers. He says the strongest part of his game right now is with the sand wedge.

"From 100 yards out I have worked very hard," he said. "However, the area I need the most work on is (around the greens). I work on that every day. If I can improve my putting, I should have a very successful season."

Bontrager believes.

"He works hard with every aspect of his game, and sets a good example for the other kids," Bontrager said. "It will take a lot of hard work on everyone's part to make it back to the state tournament. We always have a goal, to go as far as possible."

[Last modified August 18, 2005, 01:05:19]