Jaxon Buegler’s score was also enough to tie for the section lead, matching Minnewaska Area’s Zach Gugisberg as Section Champions as the two competed in the second leg of the tournament Wednesday at Oakdale Golf Course.

“It’s kind of unreal is how I’d describe it,” Jaxon Buegler, who joined the New Ulm golf team as a senior this year, said. “I came into the season, first year of golf for me, and I wasn’t really expecting it. But even being in first and going to the state tournament overall is a great feeling.”

Sophomore Mason Buegler had not been checking the leaderboard throughout the day, so he was unaware that he had made the state tournament despite a bogey on the final hole.

“It feels great,” he said. “I didn’t think I was going to pull it out after my three-putt on Hole 18, but it just feels great to make it, especially with my brother. That will be a fun trip with him.”

Staff photo by Ari Selvey New Ulm’s Mason Buegler takes a shot during the second leg of the Section 3AA Boys Golf Tournament at Oakdale Golf Club in Buffalo Lake on Wednesday. Mason Buegler carded a 76 on Day 2 of the tournament, finishing with a two-day score of 149 and qualify for state with his older brother, Jaxon.

Both brothers expressed how special it was to be able to make the trip to Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan for the state tourney on June 10.

“I love that he got to go,” Jaxon Buegler said. “One of the things heading into today was that, if I got to go, I really wanted him to come with me. I’m super happy that he’s coming along, too.”

Mason Buegler added that it was fun to see his brother make it to state in his one and only season with the team.

“It’s cool to see both of our last names up there,” he said. “Both going to state, just a good feeling, especially with this being his first year golfing. It’s cool that we get to do it together.”

Jaxon Buegler’s day was highlighted by an eagle on Hole 6 and a birdie on Hole 18 to clinch a share of the championship, finishing the day with a 71, 1 under par.

Staff photo by Ari Selvey New Ulm’s Jaxon Buegler follows through on a shot during the second leg of the Section 3AA Boys Golf Tournament at Oakdale Golf Club in Buffalo Lake on Wednesday.

“The eagle was great,” Jaxon Buegler said. “My irons from 100 yards to 180 were on point. They put me right next to the pin. My putting was on, I made some good puts. Everything just came together in the right time.”

Mason Buegler, meanwhile, shot a 76, 4 over par, to place sixth in the overall tournament. Mason Buegler birdied three holes on the day and turned in just four bogeys.

Jaxon Buegler said that he didn’t have any expectations heading into the state meet.

“I guess the goal was just to go to the state tournament,” he said. “Now that I’m up there, just try to shoot something decent, break 80. Have a good time up there and see what it’s like.”

Mason Buegler, meanwhile, has high hopes for how the meet will go.

Staff photo by Ari Selvey New Ulm’s Lillian Kral chips the ball during the second leg of the Section 3AA Girls Golf Tournament at Oakdale Golf Club in Buffalo Lake on Wednesday.

“Top-10 finish would be nice,” he said. “Going to be hard to do, but top 10 would be pretty cool.”

New Ulm finished second as a team in the tournament, trailing New London-Spicer’s score of 596 with a 617. Marshall took third (623), Morris Area-Chokio Alberta placed fourth (632) and Minnewaska Area finished fifth (638).

After Jaxon Buegler and Mason Buegler for New Ulm, Brecken Neuman placed 24th, shooting 162 overall and 81 on Day 2, while Colton Anderson placed 30th, shooting 167 overall and 85 on Day 2. Brandt Munson (169, 84) placed 32nd and Brayden Wendinger (170, 88) placed 34th.

On the girls’ side of the meet, New Ulm’s Lillian Kral placed 27th in the Section 3AA Girls Golf Meet, shooting a 203 overall and a 98 on Day 2.

Staff photo by Ari Selvey New Ulm’s Brecken Neuman looks forward after a shot during the second leg of the Section 3AA Boys Golf Tournament at Oakdale Golf Club in Buffalo Lake on Wednesday.